Abstract: This is a process for fabrication of nickel-oxide insulation on a superconductor. The process utilizes; reacting oxygen-free nickel powder with oxygen-free carbon monoxide generally at 50.degree.-75.degree. C. to produce a nickel carbonyl, separating the nickel carbonyl from reaction by-products and excess reagents by cooling the carbonyl and decanting the nickel carbonyl liquor, and contacting the carbonyl to a surface of a wire containing superconductor or superconductor precursors in an atmosphere containing a controlled amount of oxygen, with the wire at 50.degree.-800.degree. C. to produce nickel suboxide insulation on the wire. The purified nickel carbonyl and oxygen may be alternately (rather than simultaneously) introduced, to deposit a series of metallic nickel films on the wire, each of which metallic films are then oxidized to a nickel suboxide.

Abstract: This invention is a superconductor having a generally substoichiometric oxygen, nickel oxide insulation between superconduction strands. The superconductor is to have an operating temperature below 250 degrees kelvin, and has multiple superconductors, with a cladding of nickel on the strands, and an adherent coating of nickel oxide formed on the outer surface of the cladding. The nickel oxide has stoichiometric or less than stoichiometric oxygen (but not greater than stoichiometric oxygen) to be electrically insulating at the operating temperature of the superconductor. Thus high thermal conductivity strand insulation capable of withstanding strand to strand voltages of greater than 50 volts is provided to substantially eliminate coupling currents between the strands, and nickel oxide having areas of semiconducting due to containing more than stoichiometric oxygen is avoided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a resistive or semiconducting coating for use on current conductors in cryogenic applications. This includes copper-clad superconductor wire, copper wire used for stabilizing superconductor magnets, and for hyperconductors. The coating is a film of cuprous sulfide (Cu.sub.2 S) that has been found not to degrade the properties of the conductors. It is very adherent to the respective conductors and satisfies the mechanical, thermal and electrical requirements of coatings for the conductors.

Abstract: A passive optical switching apparatus for use with a sales display device, or with a secret security device or with a safety device. The apparatus includes two photo resistor systems which are positioned so that their optical axes and field of view intersect. Also included is the complementary electronic circuitry. If a light change occurs within the region defining the intersection a switching signal is created to trigger the device to which it is attached.