Abstract: A composite substrate for superconductors and methods for making the same are described. The composite substrate of the present invention includes at least a core layer having and a sheath layer having a cube texture on at least a portion its surface. In certain embodiments, the core layer can include a nickel-tungsten-molybdenum alloy having about 2-10 atomic percent tungsten and 2-15 atomic percent molybdenum. In some embodiments, the sheath layer can include nickel or a nickel-tungsten alloy having about 0 to 6 atomic percent tungsten. Generally, the core layer is stronger than the sheath layer and an interdiffusion zone can exist between the core layer and the sheath layer.

Abstract: A laminated superconductor wire includes a superconductor wire assembly, which includes a first superconductor insert comprising a first high temperature superconductor layer overlaying a first substrate and a second superconductor insert comprising a second high temperature superconductor layer overlaying a second substrate. The first and second superconductor inserts are joined together at their respective substrates. An electrically conductive structure substantially surrounds the superconductor wire assembly.

Abstract: A composite substrate for superconductors and methods for making the same are described. The composite substrate of the present invention includes at least a core layer having and a sheath layer having a cube texture on at least a portion its surface. In certain embodiments, the core layer can include a nickel-tungsten-molybdenum alloy having about 2-10 atomic percent tungsten and 2-15 atomic percent molybdenum. In some embodiments, the sheath layer can include nickel or a nickel-tungsten alloy having about 0 to 6 atomic percent tungsten. Generally, the core layer is stronger than the sheath layer and an interdiffusion zone can exist between the core layer and the sheath layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a practical superconducting conductor based upon biaxially textured high temperature superconducting coatings. In particular, methods for producing flexible and bend strain-resistant articles and articles produced in accordance therewith are described which provide improved current sharing, lower hysteretic losses under alternating current conditions, enhanced electrical and thermal stability and improved mechanical properties between otherwise isolated films in a coated high temperature superconducting (HTS) wire. Multilayered materials including operational material which is sensitive to bend strain can be constructed, in which the bend strain in the region in which such operational material is located is minimized. The invention also provides a means for splicing coated tape segments and for termination of coated tape stack ups or conductor elements.

Abstract: This invention relates to a practical superconducting conductor based upon biaxially textured high temperature superconducting coatings. In particular, methods for producing flexible and bend strain-resistant articles and articles produced in accordance therewith are described which provide improved current sharing, lower hysteretic losses under alternating current conditions, enhanced electrical and thermal stability and improved mechanical properties between otherwise isolated films in a coated high temperature superconducting (HTS) wire. Multilayered materials including operational material which is sensitive to bend strain can be constructed, in which the bend strain in the region in which such operational material is located is minimized. The invention also provides a means for splicing coated tape segments and for termination of coated tape stack ups or conductor elements.

Abstract: Methods and articles for controlling the surface of an alloy substrate for deposition of an epitaxial layer. The invention includes the use of an intermediate layer to stabilize the substrate surface against oxidation for subsequent deposition of an epitaxial layer.

Abstract: A method of making an oxide superconductor article includes subjecting an oxide superconductor precursor to a texturing operation to orient grains of the oxide superconductor precursor to obtain a highly textured precursor; and converting the textured oxide superconducting precursor into an oxide superconductor, while simultaneously applying a force to the precursor which at least matches the expansion force experienced by the precursor during phase conversion to the oxide superconductor. The density and the degree of texture of the oxide superconductor precursor are retained during phase conversion. The constraining force may be applied isostatically.

Abstract: An alloy having a cube textured substrate is disclosed. The alloy includes two different metals. The alloy can be used as a substrate for a superconductor. Optionally, one or more buffer layers can be disposed between the substrate and the superconductor material. The alloy can be prepared using a process that includes rolling the alloy and annealing the alloy. The alloy can have a relatively large volume percent that is formed of grains with cube texture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a practical superconducting conductor based upon biaxially textured high temperature superconducting coatings. In particular, methods for producing flexible and bend strain-resistant articles and articles produced in accordance therewith are described which provide improved current sharing, lower hysteretic losses under alternating current conditions, enhanced electrical and thermal stability and improved mechanical properties between otherwise isolated films in a coated high temperature superconducting (HTS) wire. Multilayered materials including operational material which is sensitive to bend strain can be constructed, in which the bend strain in the region in which such operational material is located is minimized. The invention also provides a means for splicing coated tape segments and for termination of coated tape stack ups or conductor elements.

Abstract: An alloy that contains at least two metals and can be used as a substrate for a superconductor is disclosed. The alloy can contain an oxide former. The alloy can have a biaxial or cube texture. The substrate can be used in a multilayer superconductor, which can further include one or more buffer layers disposed between the substrate and the superconductor material. The alloys can be made a by process that involves first rolling the alloy then annealing the alloy. A relatively large volume percentage of the alloy can be formed of grains having a biaxial or cube texture.

Abstract: An alloy capable of forming a (100) [001] cube-texture by thermo-mechanical techniques has 5 to 45 atomic percent nickel with the balance being copper. The alloy is useful as a conductive substrate for superconducting composites where the substrate is coated with a superconducting oxide. A buffer layer can optionally be coated on the substrate to enhance deposition of the superconducting oxide. Methods for producing the alloys, substrates, and superconductors are included.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor wire is prepared by preparing a length of precursor wire for processing into an oxide superconductor wire and coating the precursor wire with an isolating layer. The coated wire is wound onto a reel in a spiraling manner, such that each turn of the spiral is in substantial alignment with the preceding turn of the spiral along an axis perpendicular to the axis of winding. The wound precursor wire is then heated to form the oxide superconductor. The removable isolating layer is prepared by coating the wire with a solution including a metal compound and a porosity-inducing component, and heating the coated wire so as to induce porosity and control grain size of the metal compound so as to render the coating removable. The coating functions to isolate the overlapping turns of the wound wire from neighboring wires, so that no diffusion bonding or adherence between the turns occurs. The coating preferably comprises a material that can be reduced or decomposed to form a solderable metal.