Rare-earth doped barium copper oxide, more commonly referred to as REBCO, is a high temperature superconductor that can carry extraordinarily high levels of electric current (many kiloamps) at magnetic fields above 20T. In previous research, we discovered that the secondary phases in the tap can vary in size from 0.24µm2 to 0.41µm2, reducing the tape homogeneity and limiting its performance capacity. To explore the source of these defects, 30 cm long samples were obtained from 6 different manufacturers and 1 cm samples were cut from each end. Samples were etched and imaged using scanning electron microscopy, then thresholded to isolate secondary particles located on the REBCO layer through ImageJ software. Python code was developed to compare trends between samples. Manufacturers A and B have an average particle area of 0.701µm2 and 0.368µm2, respectfully. Manufacturer A also has an increase of 42.5% in particle area from edge to edge at the same longitudinal position, showing variation along the width, length, and between the producers. This research provides valuable insight for manufactures into the discrepancies present among different samples and helps establish a baseline for variation along the length.
