Superconductivity at 93 K in a new mixed-phase Y-Ba-Cu-O compound system at ambient pressure

A stable and reproducible superconductivity transition between 80 and 93 K has been achieved and maintained in a Y-Ba-Cu-O compound system at ambient pressure in a simple liquid-nitrogen Dewar. An upper critical field Hc2(0) estimate of between 80 and 180 T is obtained, and the paramagnetic limiting field at 0 K for a sample with a T(c) of about 90 K is 165 T. It is suggested that the lattice parameters, the valence ratio, and the sample treatments all play a role in achieving superconductivity above 77 K.