High-field flux mapping of (RE)BCO bulk superconductors—Development of an in situ scanning system

Flux mapping of Y–Ba–Cu–O (YBCO) melt-processed, bulk high-temperature superconductors (HTS) is used to visualise the profile of trapped magnetic field on a magnetised sample and to measure the extent of current flow, and hence field penetration, within the bulk microstructure. Grain structure and defects below the sample surface are observed non-destructively by this technique. This paper outlines the design, development and construction of a novel, in situ Hall scanning system using an 8 T magnet and variable temperature insert (VTI). This system is then used to characterise the field trapping properties of bulk samples for different applied field history.