Abstract: A method of controlling the effective impedance of a low-impedance high-temperature superconducting cable (“HTS cable”). Passive or active control circuitry is used to create a current in the shielding conductor of the HTS cable which opposes the current in the primary conductor. In the case of a three-phase conductor, magnetic cross-coupling between the phases is exploited. The magnitude of the magnetic field is used to alter the HTS cable's effective impedance. The result is the creation of a controlled and substantially-higher effective impedance for the HTS cable. The creation of the higher impedance allows the HTS cable to be connected in parallel with conventional lines while regulating the amount of current flowing through the HTS cable.

Abstract: A superconductor for mitigating the effects of local current disruptions in a superconducting filament. The superconductor comprises superconducting filaments covered by a medium in electrical communication with the filaments. The covering medium has anisotropic conductivity, the conductivity in a direction substantially aligned with the filaments being selected to stabilize the superconductor near the critical temperature, and the conductivity of the covering in a direction substantially perpendicular to the filaments being selected to permit controlled current sharing between the filaments, especially when a filament is compromised, while simultaneously limiting alternating current (ac) losses. In various embodiments, the covering comprises a wire mesh having longitudinal wires made of a first material having a first conductivity, and transverse wires made of a second material having a second conductivity, different from the first conductivity.

Abstract: Under one aspect, a method of making a superconductor wire includes providing an oxide superconductor layer overlaying a substrate; forming a substantially continuous barrier layer over the oxide superconductor layer, the barrier layer including metal; depositing a layer of metal particles over the barrier layer, said depositing including applying a liquid including metal particles over the barrier layer; and sintering the layer of metal particles to form a substantially continuous metal layer over the barrier layer. In one or more embodiments, the oxide superconductor layer is oxygen-deficient, and the method may include oxidizing the oxygen-deficient oxide superconductor layer. At least a portion of the sintering and the oxidizing may occur simultaneously, for example by performing them at an oxygen partial pressure and a temperature sufficient to both sinter the metal particles and to oxidize the oxygen-deficient oxide superconductor layer.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide pulsed-power to a load utilizing high temperature superconductors (HTS) within multiple pulsed-power devices. According to embodiments described herein, each pulsed-power device includes a HTS mounted on a rotor and an armature coil mounted on a stator. The rotor is positioned to allow a magnetic field within the HTS to induce a voltage in the armature coil when the rotor is rotating and to allow a magnetic field created by passing current through the armature coil to charge the HTS. Current created from the operation of a first pulsed-power device is routed to the armature coil in a second pulsed-power device to charge the associated HTS to a higher value. Subsequently, the second pulsed-power device is operated to produce current that is used to further charge the HTS in the first pulsed-power device. This bootstrapping procedure is repeated until all HTSs are fully charged.

Abstract: The invention herein is directed towards a method of making material exhibiting superconductivity characteristics which includes a laser processed region of a metal oxide crystal. The material has a transition temperature greater than a transition temperature of the metal oxide crystal, preferably greater than 140K. The transition temperature of the material may be considered greater than the transition temperature of the metal oxide crystal if the material has a transition temperature and the metal oxide crystal has no transition temperature. The present invention is also directed to a material which includes a laser processed strontium ruthenate crystal wherein the material has a greater oxygen content than the starting strontium ruthenate crystal. The present invention is also directed towards a method for manufacturing a material exhibiting superconductivity characteristics that includes providing a metal oxide crystal and laser ablating the metal oxide crystal and a material made by this process.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the flux pinning of a YBCO superconductor by substituting minute quantities of rare earth elements (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu) or other deleterious elements (Sc, etc.) for Y in YBCO thin films is described. The method of the present invention enables enhanced flux pinning of the material while not significantly increasing the cost of the HIS material and can be used in all HTS deposition methods since it is not process dependent.

Abstract: A superconducting magnetic field coil (1; 21; 31; 41; 51; 61) comprising at least one coil section (42; 43) which is wound in layers, is characterized in that, in at least one layer (11, 12, 13, 14, 101, 102, 103, 104) of the coil section (42; 43) N (with N?2), superconducting wire sections (A, B, C, D, E) are wound in parallel, such that the windings of the N wire sections (A, B, C, D, E) are adjacent to each other and the N wire sections (A, B, C, D, E) are connected in series. The inventive magnetic field coil can be produced at highly reduced costs, in particular, when the magnetic field coil has a comparatively large layer length.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique capable of suppressing variations in the height of each solder ball where an NSMD is used as a structure for each land. Vias that extend through a wiring board are provided. Lands are formed at the back surface of the wiring board so as to be coupled directly to the vias respectively. The lands are respectively formed so as to be internally included in openings defined in a solder resist. Half balls are mounted over the lands respectively. Namely, the present invention has a feature in that the configuration of coupling between each of the lands and its corresponding via both formed at the back surface of the wiring board is taken as a land on via structure and a configuration form of each land is taken as an NSMD.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a superconducting wire includes the step of drawing a wire formed by coating raw material powder for a superconductor with a metal (S6), the step of first rolling (S8) rolling a multifilamentary wire after the step of drawing (S6), and the step of first sintering (S10) sintering the multifilamentary wire 1 after the step of the first rolling (S8). At least one of an interval between the step of drawing (S6) and the step of the first rolling (S8) and an interval between the step of the first rolling (S8) and the step of the first sintering (S10) is less than seven days. With this method, a superconducting wire having high and uniform performance can be obtained.

Abstract: A method of facilitating superconducting tape manufacturing is provided that includes forming a long-length superconducting tape having a layered structure, comprising a substrate having a dimension ratio not less than about 100, a buffer layer overlying the substrate, and a high temperature superconducting layer overlying the buffer layer. The method further includes characterizing the superconducting tape to create a data set having a plurality of values that are a function of length of the superconducting tape and distributing both the superconducting tape and the data set.

Abstract: Disclosed is a superconducting wire and a method for manufacturing the same, in which spacer are inserted into each space formed between modules, the spacers being different kinds according to a shape of each space when a restacking billet is manufactured in an internal diffusion method for manufacturing a Nb3Sn superconducting wire. One of a copper spacer and a low tin/copper spacer having a sectional area rate of copper/tin more than 6.0 is arranged between three modules as well as between two modules and a diffusion preventing tube, and a high tin/copper spacer having a sectional area rate of copper/tin less than 0.01˜1.5 or a middle tin/copper spacer having a sectional area rate of copper/tin less than 1.5˜6.0 is arranged between four modules.

Abstract: Methods for forming sensors using transition edge sensors (TES) and sensors therefrom are described. The method includes forming a plurality of sensor arrays includes at least one TES device. The TES device includes a TES device body, a first superconducting lead contacting a first portion of the TES device body, and a second superconducting lead contacting of a second portion of the TES device body, where the first and second superconducting leads separated on the TES device body by a lead spacing. The lead spacing can be selected to be different for at least two of the plurality of sensor arrays. The method also includes determining a transition temperature for each of the plurality of sensor arrays and generating a signal responsive to detecting a change in the electrical characteristics of one of the plurality of sensor arrays meeting a transition temperature criterion.

Abstract: A method of compensating for thermal contraction of superconducting and cryo-resistive cables. The method includes the steps of determining a compensation length for a cable such that when the cable is subjected to an operating temperature, the cable is in or near a stress-free state, and installing the cable into a pipe such that portions of the cable extend outwardly past ends of the pipe. The method further includes the steps of marking each end of the cable such that the determined compensation length is visibly shown, forcing the cable into the pipe at an ambient installation temperature such that a cable pattern is formed therein, and maintaining the cable in the pipe to prevent the cable from being pushed out of the pipe.

Abstract: A method for laying a superconductor cable having a superconductive cable core and a cryostat enclosing the superconductive cable core, with the superconductive cable core being arranged freely mobile in the cryostat. The method includes cooling the superconductive cable core to the operating temperature after laying the superconductor cable, shortening the superconductive cable core relative to the cryostat, fixing the superconductive cable core at its ends; and mounting terminations on the ends of the cable core.

Abstract: A superconducting article and method of fabrication are provided. The superconducting article includes a superconducting structure, which includes a superconducting conductor and multiple discrete overlay regions of higher heat capacity than the superconducting conductor. The multiple discrete overlay regions are disposed along a length of the superconducting conductor, in thermal contact with the superconducting conductor, and positioned to define a heat modulation pattern along the length of the superconducting structure. The multiple discrete overlay regions create a temperature distribution favorable to transition of the superconducting structure under load from a normal resistive state to a superconductive state by facilitating formation of a continuous superconducting path along the length of the superconducting structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming high temperature superconductor (HTS) continuous conductor elements from a substrate, comprises a punch cutting tool for punching from a continuous strip material at successive operations of the punch cutting tool successive parts of the length of each of a plurality of continuous serpentine conductor elements; a feed system for feeding in steps the continuous strip material through the punch cutting tool between operations of the punch cutting tool; and a plurality of synchronised take-up spools for taking up each of the conductor elements from the punch cutting tool.

Abstract: A superconducting coil for a magnetic resonance apparatus is formed by one or more wound superconducting conductors that are embedded in a cured sealing compound, with nanoparticles added to the sealing compound.

Abstract: A superconducting article is provided which incorporates an early quench detection facility. The superconducting article includes a first superconductive segment and a second superconductive segment, along with a magnetic field sensor(s). The magnetic field sensor(s) is disposed to monitor relative change in strength of a net magnetic field generated by a first current passing through the first superconductive segment and a second current passing through the second superconductive segment. A relative change in strength of the net magnetic field indicates degradation of a critical quench current of the first superconductive segment or the second superconductive segment, caused for example, by formation of one or more hot-spots or quench regions in the first or second superconductive segment. The indication of degradation is thus obtained prior to complete superconductive segment quenching.

Abstract: A superconducting magnet assembly and method of cooling a superconducting magnet assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a superconductive multi-phase, fluid-cooled cable system comprising a) a cable comprising at least three electrical conductors constituting at least two electrical phases and a zero- or neutral conductor, said electrical conductors being mutually electrically insulated from each other, and b) a thermal insulation defining a central longitudinal axis and having an inner surface and surrounding the cable, said inner surface of said thermal insulation forming the radial limitation of a cooling chamber for holding a cooling fluid for cooling said electrical conductors. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a cable system and to its use. The object of the present invention is to provide a simplified manufacturing and installation scheme for a fluid cooled cable system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a three layer process for making contact points to a high transition temperature superconductor (HTSC), particularly to (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O19+x with and without silver in the superconductor. The contact structure is a three layer configuration with a perforated silver foil (3) sandwiched between two metal spray gun deposited silver layers (2,5) and subsequent heat treatment in air. The contact has been made on tubes and rods (1). The silver contacts are capable of carrying a continuous current of 200 Amps without adding any substantial heat load to the cryogen used to cool the HTSC. The contact resistance at 4.2 K is in the range of 1.5×10 (hoch?8) to 8.5? 10 (hoch?8)OHM in zero applied filed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a superconducting wire includes the step of drawing a wire formed by coating raw material powder for a superconductor with a metal, the step of first rolling a multifilamentary wire after the step of drawing, and the step of first sintering the multifilamentary wire 1 after the step of the first rolling. At least one of an interval between the step of drawing and the step of the first rolling and an interval between the step of the first rolling and the step of the first sintering is less than seven days. With this method, a superconducting wire having high and uniform performance can be obtained.

Abstract: A method for connecting two or more superconducting wires (1, 2), each comprising at least one filament (3a-3b) that contains MgB2, wherein the superconducting connection is realized through exposed end regions (13) of the filaments (3a-3d) via a superconducting matrix, is characterized in that a bulk powder (4) of a high-temperature superconductor (HTS) powder with a transition temperature of Tc>40K is provided, into which the exposed end regions (13) of the filaments (3a-3d) project, wherein the Boron of the Boron powder of the bulk powder (4) is in amorphous modification, and the bulk powder (4) is compacted together with the projecting exposed end regions (13) of the filaments (3a-3d) to form a compressed element (8). The method improves the quality, in particular, the current carrying capacity and the critical magnetic field strength of a superconducting connection of two MgB2 wires.

Abstract: A superconducting wire includes first and second superconducting layers disposed on one or more substrates in stacked relationship, the first superconducting layer comprising a high temperature superconducting oxide of a first composition and the second superconducting layer comprising a high temperature superconducting layer of a second composition, wherein the first and second compositions are different. The first superconductor layer optionally includes a high temperature superconductor composition selected to provide enhanced critical current (Ic(c)) in the presence of magnetic fields perpendicular to surface of the superconducting layer (H//c). The second superconductor layer optionally includes a high temperature superconductor composition selected to provide enhanced critical current (Ic) in the presence of magnetic fields parallel to surface of the superconducting layer (H//ab).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing electronic components consisting in carrying out a first anodization of a carrier material (1) for forming at least one first pore (3) extending in a first direction in said carrier material (1) and in carrying out a second anodization for forming at least one second pore (17) extending in the carrier material (1) in a second direction different from the first direction.

Abstract: A device and method for making a persistent joint allowing end terminations of superconducting MgB2 wire to be joined with a superconducting bridge. Superconducting electromagnetic coils may be joined in series or joining of coil assemblies to current sources and the two ends of a persistent switch. The device includes wire filaments with end preparation exposing reacted MgB2, inserted into a block and surrounded with Mg+B and/or MgB2 in powder, solid, slurry or sol-gel form and subsequently reacted to establish a bridge of superconducting MgB2 electrically connecting the superconducting MgB2 wires. Autonomous operation of the superconducting background magnet coils in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) devices are allowed, or similar devices where autonomous operation of an MgB2 based superconducting magnet is required. The low resistant joint will also be beneficial for other superconducting applications such as fault current limiters, motors, generators, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a MgB2 superconductor, comprising compacting and heating a mixture comprising Mg or MgH2 powder and B powder, wherein said mixture comprises SiC powder and an aromatic hydrocarbon, and a MgB2 superconductor having a higher critical current density (Jc) than that of the known MgB2 superconductors added SiC only or added an aromatic hydrocarbon only such as benzene.

Abstract: A superconductor for mitigating the effects of local current disruptions in a superconducting filament. The superconductor comprises superconducting filaments covered by a medium in electrical communication with the filaments. The covering medium has anisotropic conductivity, the conductivity in a direction substantially aligned with the filaments being selected to stabilize the superconductor near the critical temperature, and the conductivity of the covering in a direction substantially perpendicular to the filaments being selected to permit controlled current sharing between the filaments, especially when a filament is compromised, while simultaneously limiting alternating current (ac) losses. In various embodiments, the covering comprises a wire mesh having longitudinal wires made of a first material having a first conductivity, and transverse wires made of a second material having a second conductivity, different from the first conductivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a superconducting element joint comprising a joint between two superconducting elements comprising at least one direct SC-SC transition joint. By the invention an improved superconducting element joint may be obtained. The invention also relates to a process for providing such superconducting element joint and a superconducting cable system comprising such superconducting element joint.

Abstract: A superconducting article is provided which includes a superconducting tape assembly. The superconducting tape assembly includes a superconducting tape layer, having one or more superconducting tapes, and a high-permeability magnetic material layer coupled to the superconducting tape layer. The high-permeability magnetic material layer includes a high-permeability magnetic material which remains magnetically soft at a critical temperature Tc of the superconducting tape, and with presence of an ac magnetic field acting on the superconducting tape assembly, re-magnetizes to divert at least a portion of a normal component of the ac magnetic field therethrough, which reduces ac loss in the superconducting tape layer by modifying the ac magnetic field distribution within the superconducting tape of the superconducting tape layer.

Abstract: An AC-tolerant high temperature superconductor tape with transposed filaments having two layers of high temperature superconducting material with striations and corresponding filaments and an insulating layer positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A method for forming improved superconducting composites having improved Jc values by assembling octagonal or curved octagonal elements which when assembled allow for formation of uniformly continuously spaced voids. The voids are then filled with a metal, alloy, intermetallic substance, or ceramic oxide. The assembly of the octagonal elements and the filling of the voids is performed in a metal can. Accordingly, the flexibility in design of the present invention allows control of the performance of the superconductor and is cost effective.

Abstract: By adding an aromatic hydrocarbon such as benzene to the powder mixture of magnesium (Mg) or magnesium hydride (MgH2) and boron (B) as raw materials of a superconductor MgB2, high superconducting critical current density (Jc) is obtained.

Abstract: A conduction-cooled superconducting power transmission cable wherein a High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) wire is surrounded by an inner layer of thermal insulator, one or more layers of high thermal conductivity material, such as copper, and an outer layer of thermal insulator with cryogenic coolant sources distributed along the power transmission cable and coupled to the copper layers or both the copper layers and the HTS wire. The cryogenic coolant sources can be reservoirs, a distribution system of coolant or stand alone refrigeration systems. He H2 or N2 liquid coolant can be used. A method for calculating the parameters to maintain the critical temperature of the HTS wire and a method for calculating the cool down time from ambient conditions are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a superconductor comprising particles made of a superconductive material, and a conductive material. The conductive material is selected to be driven to a superconductive state when in proximity to the superconductive material, and preferably at least includes bismuth. An unbroken length of the conductive material is located sufficiently close to a plurality of the particles to be driven to a superconductive state by the superconductive material.

Abstract: Provided is a superconducting cable having a structure such that cable cores, each having a superconducting layer, are housed in a thermal insulation pipe and the superconducting layer of each cable core has portions having different critical current values. When an excessive current flows in the superconducting layer in case of a short-circuit failure, the current exceeds the critical current value of the portion having a smaller critical current value first, which results in damage to the portion, suppressing the occurrence of damage to the other normal portion. A superconducting cable line using this superconducting cable and a splitter for accommodating the cable cores therein is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a saddle-shaped coil winding which is formed onto an outer tube surface from a planar race track-type coil shape so as to be provided with axially extending winding sections on the longitudinal side and winding sections that extend therebetween, are located on the front side, and form winding overhangs. The individual windings of the coil winding are to be formed with at least one band-shaped superconductor which comprises especially high Tc superconductor material and whose narrow side faces the outer tube surface. In order to prevent unacceptable mechanical stresses of the conductor when forming the coil, the windings in the saddle shape have a circumferential length which is virtually unchanged from the length in the planar oil shape.

Abstract: A Nb3Sn superconducting coil can be formed from a wire including multiple unreacted strands comprising tin in contact with niobium. The strands are wound into a cable, which is then heated to react the tin and niobium to form a cable comprising reacted Nb3Sn strands. The cable comprising the reacted Nb3Sn strands are then mounted in and soldered into an electrically conductive channel to form a reacted cable-in-channel of Nb3Sn strands. The cable-in-channel of reacted Nb3Sn strands are then wound to fabricate a superconducting coil. The Nb3Sn superconducting coil can be used, for example, in a magnet structure for particle acceleration. In one example, the superconducting coil is used in a high-field superconducting synchrocyclotron.

Abstract: A superconducting cable comprises N phases. Each phase comprises a number of superconducting phase conductors classified into N-phase groups. Each N-phase group comprises a phase conductor from each of the N different phases, where N is greater than one, and the number of N-phase groups is larger than or equal to two. Insulation is arranged in the cable around each phase conductor or between assemblies of phase conductors, so that said N-phase groups are insulated from each other. One or more of the N-phase groups or assemblies of N-phase groups is provided with a common electrically conductive screen. The N-phase groups are arranged in a number of coaxial groups comprising at least two coaxial layers and having a common axis oriented along the length of the cable. The superconducting cable has fewer cooling channels for refrigerant than phase conductors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing round wire using superconducting tape, including the steps of: slitting superconducting tape into superconducting tape strips; silver-coating the slit superconducting tape strips; laminating the silver-coated superconducting tape strips to form a superconducting tape laminate having a square cross-section; holding the superconducting tape laminate; heat-treating the fixed superconducting tape laminate to cause diffusion junction between silver; and copper-plating the heat-treated superconducting tape laminate to have a circular section.

Abstract: A low AC loss electrical conductor includes an electrically conductive core surrounded by a first layer of superconductor filaments. A resistive shell surrounds the first layer and an insulation coating radially encloses the resistive shell.

Abstract: A precursor for manufacturing a Nb3Sn superconducting wire according to the present invention includes a mono-element wire including a Sn or Sn-based alloy core disposed at the, a Cu or Cu-based alloy matrix and a plurality of Nb or Nb-based alloy filaments surrounding the Sn or Sn-based alloy core, and a diffusion barrier layer and a stabilizing copper layer surrounding the Cu or Cu-based alloy matrix. In a final shape after a reduction process, the average diameter of the Nb or Nb-based alloy filaments is set to 5 ?m to 30 ?m, and the average distance between the Sn or Sn-based alloy core and the Nb or Nb-based alloy filaments nearest the Sn or Sn-based alloy core is set to 100 ?m or less.

Abstract: A fully transposed composite superconductor of the Roebel bar type is produced. The superconductor is formed from combines superconductors. The process step for forming the subconductors, which are being configured with a lateral projection into a region of a neighbouring subconductor, is separated from the stranding step. Carrier strips, which are coated with the superconductive material, are used as the conductors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are superconducting composites, and preliminary products therefor, having a core comprising a superconducting phase, a first casing surrounding the core, and having an inner area abutting the core and having a first magnesium concentration and an outer area having a second magnesium concentration greater than the first magnesium concentration, wherein the second magnesium concentration is, on average, between 5 and 40 atomic percent. Desirably, the superconducting phase comprises a MgB2 phase. This arrangement allows for methods for producing the composites that reduce or eliminate subjecting the superconducting phase to mechanical stresses.

Abstract: A magnesium diboride superconducting wire has excellent conduction property and stability. The superconductive connection of the magnesium diboride superconducting wire covered with a superconducting coating layer and a same or different kind of another superconducting wire are connected in a metal tube filled with a solder by way of the superconductive coating layer.

Abstract: An Nb3Sn wire rod having a high Jc value is manufactured using an Ag—Sn alloy. A composite rod including a plurality of Nb core materials incorporated in an Ag—Sn alloy matrix material having an Sn concentration of 9.35 to 22.85 at % is prepared. Next, the composite rod is extruded and/or wire drawn while carrying out process annealing of 350 to 490° C., followed by heat treatment at 500 to 900° C. to produce an Nb3Sn filament. Thus, an Nb3Sn extrafine multi-core superconducting wire is manufactured.

Abstract: A method of making a laminated superconductor wire includes providing an assembly, where the assembly includes a substrate; a superconductor layer overlaying a surface of the substrate, the superconductor layer having a defined pattern; and a cap layer; and slitting the assembly in accordance with the defined pattern of the superconductor layer to form a sealed wire. Slitting the assembly in accordance with the defined pattern may form multiple sealed wires, and the substrate may be substantially wider than the sealed wires.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency (RF) component comprising a non-superconducting material, and a superconducting material, wherein the superconducting material is disposed in one or more areas of the RF component such that the areas with superconducting material conduct greater current density than do areas with the non-superconducting material.

Abstract: A powder and rod process for forming Nb3Sn or V3Ga superconducting wire is provided. The process includes hot extrusion or cold drawing of an assembly comprising an octagonal or hexagonal configuration of copper-clad rods comprising niobium, vanadium, a niobium alloy, or a vanadium alloy and an intermetallic powder compound, such as MnSn2, that is situated in a central hole within the octagonal or hexagonal configuration of rods.

Abstract: A method for forming Nb3Sn superconducting wire is provided. The method employs a powder-in-tube process using a high-tin intermetallic compound, such as MnSn2, for producing the Nb3Sn. The use of a high-tin intermetallic compound enables the process to perform hot extrusion without melting the high-tin intermetallic compound. Alternatively, the method may entail drawing the wire without hot extrusion.