Visualization of non-uniform current flow in coated conductors by scanning Hall-probe magnetic microscopy

We have visualized non-uniform current flow in RE123 coated conductors by using a scanning Hall-probe magnetic microscopy (SHPM). Newly developed SHPM system allows us to measure two-dimensional magnetic field distribution with high spatial resolution in micro-meter scale. Corresponding current density distribution can be obtained from the magnetic field image by solving inverted Biot–Savart’s law. One of the most important advantages of the present system is to visualize the current density distribution in practical high transport current and also in wide scanning area. For example, the system has current leads with large capacity up to 500 A, and the operating distance can be 15 cm by 15 cm with a micro-meter step distance. Using the SHPM system, we have successfully visualized current density distributions in the coated conductor, and clarified different kinds of non-uniform current flow. Those insights are very useful to identify local defects as well as non-uniform tape quality. These results indicate that the SHPM system is a powerful diagnostic tool not only to observe spatial inhomogeneities of transport property but also to understand their reason in practical coated conductors.