Deterioration of the 2G HTS tapes by the Ne+ ions irradiation (250 keV)

[Display omitted] •High-temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes were exposed to high-energy Ne+ beam simulating operation in heavy radiation environment.•Although critical temperatures were hardly affected, the superconducting currents were decreased by at least 30%.•Comprehensive research, including structural, microstructural and electronic structure studies, indicates the mechanisms responsible for deterioration of HTS tapes.•Oxygen depletion and exfoliating of superconducting layer due to irradiation were recognized as the crucial mechanisms of deterioration. We discuss changes in properties of Gd-based high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes induced by 250 keV Ne+ ions irradiation. HTS tapes are used in devices operating in extreme radiation conditions with the prospect of using them in space industry. Ionizing radiation, including heavy ion bombardment, can introduce defects (e.g. Schottky, Frenkel ones) to the microstructure of tapes, leading to deterioration of the superconducting parameters. Therefore, the superconducting layer of the tape was implanted with fluences from 1012 to 1014 Ne+/cm2 to determine the cosmic ray irradiation effect. Comprehensive studies of the microstructural, structural, magnetic, and electrical properties of the irradiated tapes prove the microscopic origin of their deterioration. It is mainly due to oxygen deficiency and microstructural as well as structural defects. The critical current densities are reduced by 33% – 60% (depending on the external magnetic field) compared to the reference sample.