Abstract: A tape manufacturing system and a tape-surface-inspection unit are disclosed. The tape-surface-inspection unit is capable of continuously characterizing the surface of a non-transparent tape that is usable with or without a tape manufacturing system. The tape-surface-inspection unit includes a surface illuminator, an imager, an image processor, a tape guide, and, optionally, an indexer. The surface illuminator provides a tape surface located by the tape guide in a manner that allows the imager to capture images for characterization by the image processor. The indexer facilitates a correlation of locations along the tape and a characterization of the locations on the tape. The tape manufacturing system, in addition to at least one tape-surface-inspection unit, includes a tape-processing unit, a tape handler, and a controller.

Abstract: A tape manufacturing system and a tape-surface-inspection unit are disclosed. The tape-surface-inspection unit is capable of continuously characterizing the surface of a non-transparent tape that is usable with or without a tape manufacturing system. The tape-surface-inspection unit includes a surface illuminator, an imager, an image processor, a tape guide, and, optionally, an indexer. The surface illuminator provides a tape surface located by the tape guide in a manner that allows the imager to capture images for characterization by the image processor. The indexer facilitates a correlation of locations along the tape and a characterization of the locations on the tape. The tape manufacturing system, in addition to at least one tape-surface-inspection unit, includes a tape-processing unit, a tape handler, and a controller.

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.