Insight into Non Linearly Shaped Superconducting Whiskers via   Synchrotron Nanoprobe
  We managed to synthesize non-linear YBa2Cu3Ox whiskers, i.e. half loops or kinked shapes, which are promising candidates for solid-state devices based on the intrinsic Josephson effect and with improved electrical connections. We report on a complete characterization of their structural properties via synchrotron nanoprobe as well as laboratory single-crystal diffraction techniques. This investigation allowed us to fully disclose the growth mechanism, which leads to the formation of curved whiskers. The superconducting properties are evaluated in comparison with the straight counterpart, revealing a strong functional analogy and confirming their potential applicability in superconducting electronic devices. 
Stefano Cagliero, Elisa Borfecchia, Lorenzo Mino, Leandro Calore,   Federica Bertolotti, Gema Martinez-Criado, Lorenza Opert...
cond-mat.supr-con cond-mat.mtrl-sci