Analysis of Mg–B compounds by means of Auger electron microprobe

Abstract For the development of a low-cost MgB 2 superconductor the “powder-in-tube” (PIT) technique is investigated. Mechanically alloyed MgB 2 powder provides a favorable microstructure and phase composition for the low temperature preparation of MgB 2 tapes with superconducting properties. The composition of sintered bulk samples and Fe-clad MgB 2 tapes made of mechanically alloyed MgB 2 has been investigated by Auger micro-analysis. Due to the process the samples contain about 15% oxygen. Pure MgB 2 crystallites were investigated as standard for stoichiometry and peak shape analysis.