Texture analysis of magnetically aligned RBa₂Cu₃O7-xby the pole figure technique

Magnetically aligned, sintered compacts of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x and ErBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x were analysed by X-ray diffraction pole figures using the Schultz reflection technique. (00/) pole figures define c axis alignment while (113) pole figures give information on the rotation about the c axis. For YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x , grains align with the c-axis parallel to the magnetic field while, for ErBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x , the c axis aligns perpendicular to the field. The pole figures are consistent with rocking curves determined previously, but also show deviations from a pure fibre texture about the aligning field. Secondary effects due to the processing technique used to prepare the aligned compact are suggested.