Dissolution and resolidification of SmBa2Cu3O7-y seed during top seeded melt texturing of Yba2Cu3O7-y

Seed dissolution was observed during top-seeded melt growth of an Yba2Cu3O7-y (Y123) single-domained crystal. The dissolution, which occurred when the seed was in contact with Ba-Cu-O liquid, ended with the resolidification of the dissolved parts during cooling. Upon resolidification to a polycrystal, Y123 evolved into a polycrystalline form. The dissolution behavior of the SMBa2Cu3O7-y (Sm123) is attributed to samarium's solubility in Ba-Cu-O liquid.