Abstract: In some implementations of the invention, existing high temperature superconducting materials (“HTS materials”) may be modified and/or new HTS materials may be created by enhancing (in the case of existing HTS materials) and/or creating (in the case of new HTS materials) an aperture within the HTS material such that the aperture is maintained at increased temperatures so as not to impede propagation of electrical charge there through. In some implementations of the invention, as long as the propagation of electrical charge through the aperture remains unimpeded, the material should remain in a superconducting state; otherwise, as the propagation of electrical charge through the aperture becomes impeded, the HTS material begins to transition into a non-superconducting state.

Abstract: A superconducting high-field magnet coil system comprising several radially nested main coil sections (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) which are connected to each other in series in such a fashion that currents of the same direction flow through them during operation, wherein a first main coil section (EHS) is disposed radially further inward than a second main coil section (ZHS) and at least one intermediate main coil section (ZW) is disposed radially between the first and the second main coil section (EHS, ZHS), and with a superconducting switch (11) via which all main coil sections (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) can be superconductingly short-circuited in series, is characterized in that the first main coil section (EHS) and the second main coil section (ZHS) are directly successively series-connected and the first main coil section (EHS) and the second main coil section (ZHS) are bridged by a common quench protection element, which does not bridge the at least one intermediate main coil section (ZW).

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: A superconducting article includes a substrate having a biaxially textured surface, and an epitaxial biaxially textured superconducting film supported by the substrate. The epitaxial superconducting film includes particles of Ba2RENbO6 and is characterized by a critical current density higher than 1 MA/cm2 at 77K, self-field. In one embodiment the particles are assembled into columns. The particles and nanocolumns of Ba2RENbO6 defects enhance flux pinning which results in improved critical current densities of the superconducting films. Methods of making superconducting films with Ba2RENbO6 defects are also disclosed.

Abstract: A superconducting article includes a substrate having a biaxially textured surface, and an epitaxial biaxially textured superconducting film supported by the substrate. The epitaxial superconducting film includes particles of Ba2RETaO6 and is characterized by a critical current density higher than 1 MA/cm2 at 77K, self-field. In one embodiment the particles are assembled into columns. The particles and nanocolumns of Ba2RETaO6 defects enhance flux pinning which results in improved critical current densities of the superconducting films. Methods of making superconducting films with Ba2RETaO6 defects are also disclosed.

Abstract: A superconductive current limiter component with magnetic field triggering has a tubular superconductor element (1) which is connected in electrical parallel with a trigger coil (3), wherein the trigger coil runs from a first end of the tubular superconductor element (1) on one side of the lateral face of the tubular superconductor element (1) in the direction of the second end of the tubular superconductor element (1), is deflected at that point to the other side of the lateral face and runs back in the direction of the first end, and so on.

Abstract: The superconductive nanocomposite is a composition formed by nanoparticles of a high temperature superconductor blended with a polymer matrix containing natural rubber and polyethylene. The high temperature superconductor is preferably a bismuth-based superconductor (BSCCO) having a particle size of about 21 nm, but may be any other high temperature or Type II ceramic, metal oxide superconductor. The superconductor nanoparticles comprise about 15% of the weight of natural rubber in the composition. The polyethylene is preferably low density polyethylene and may comprise between 0% up to about 40% of the weight of natural rubber in the composition. The nanocomposite may be prepared by blending the components and roll milling the rubber.

Abstract: A method of production of a RE123-based oxide superconductor, said method of production of a RE123-based oxide superconductor characterized by comprising (i) firing a pulse laser at an oxide-based target including RE, Ba, and Cu satisfying the following formulas (1) and (2) to form a plume and (ii) holding a substrate in that plume to form an RE123-based oxide superconducting film: 0.8?2RE/Ba<1.0 ??(1) 0.8?3Ba/2Cu<1.

Abstract: Magnetic shields and magnetic shielding systems are described. The excessive spatial demands of known mu-metal/cryoperm and superconducting shielding systems are reduced by a new multi-piece shield construction approach. A complete magnetic shielding system for use with superconducting-based computing systems, such as superconducting quantum computing systems, is also described. This complete system may include mu-metal/cryoperm shields and superconducting shields using either compensatory magnetic fields, expulsion by temperature gradients, or a combination of the two.

Abstract: A superconductive element is described, comprising a rigid support made of a non-superconductive material, said support comprising at least one superconductive track formed by a groove containing a superconductive material having a density equal to at least 85% of the value of its theoretical density, and the process for producing said element. The present invention also relates to the possible uses of the superconductive elements, and also to superconductive devices comprising said superconductive elements.

Abstract: A superconductor exemplarily described herein includes a superconducting material containing vortex pinning centers and non-magnetic disorders formed in the superconducting material. The superconductor described herein is suitable for use in magnet applications and power transmission.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a superconducting film having a substrate and a superconductor layer formed on the substrate, in which nano grooves are formed parallel to a current flowing direction on a substrate surface on which the superconductor layer is formed and two-dimensional crystal defects are introduced in the superconductor layer on the nano grooves, and a method of manufacturing this superconducting film. A superconducting film of the invention, which is obtained at low cost and has very high Jc, is useful in applications such as cables, magnets, shields, current limiters, microwave devices, and semifinished products of these articles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite superconductor comprising a superconductor and a metal member. The metal member is composed of one or more members to be joined together in such manner that the one or more members cover the superconductor, and at least one member is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing an oxide superconducting film, the method includes reacting a metal acetate containing metal M selected from the group consisting of lanthanum, neodymium and samarium with fluorocarboxylic acid having not less than three carbon atoms, reacting barium acetate with fluorocarboxylic acid having two carbon atoms, reacting copper acetate with fluorocarboxylic acid having not less than two carbon atoms, respectively, followed by refining reaction products, dissolving the reaction products in methanol such that a molar ratio of the metal M, barium and copper is 1:2:3 to prepare a coating solution, and coating a substrate with the coating solution to form a gel film, followed by calcining and firing the gel film to prepare an oxide superconducting film.

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: The present invention relates to a method of preparing an oxide superconducting film, the method includes reacting a metal acetate containing metal M selected from the group consisting of lanthanum, neodymium and samarium with fluorocarboxylic acid having not less than three carbon atoms, reacting barium acetate with fluorocarboxylic acid having two carbon atoms, reacting copper acetate with fluorocarboxylic acid having not less than two carbon atoms, respectively, followed by refining reaction products, dissolving the reaction products in methanol such that a molar ratio of the metal M, barium and copper is 1:2:3 to prepare a coating solution, and coating a substrate with the coating solution to form a gel film, followed by calcining and firing the gel film to prepare an oxide superconducting film.

Abstract: Porous ceramic superconductors having a film thickness over 0.5 microns are provided. The superconducting material is applied to a vicinal substrate and optionally nanoparticles are inserted to release local strain. The resultant superconductors exhibit improved Jc values compared to nonvicinal (flat) counterparts and those having no nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of enhancing efficacy of electrical apparatuses by using the augmented velocity electrons.

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 method for producing a thin film includes disposing a precursor solution onto a substrate to form a precursor film. The precursor solution contains precursor components to a rare-earth/alkaline-earth-metal/transition-metal oxide including a salt of a rare earth element, a salt of an alkaline earth metal, and a salt of a transition metal in one or more solvents, wherein at least one of the salts is a fluoride-containing salt.

Abstract: A solid structure includes a substrate and a layer located on a surface of the substrate. The layer includes crystalline or polycrystalline MgB2.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for direct energy conversion employs modulated static magnetic flux emanating from the pole of a permanent magnet. Photon Cooper pair breaking is used to force a quantum state in Type II superconductor thin films by modulating a vortex channel made up of a bundle of vortex tubes isolated from each other for channeling static magnetic flux. Flux quanta are pinned inside the vortex channel by the magnetic interaction of the Meissner effect, atomic elastic forces, and an effect of electrons moving on the surfaces of the vortex tubes, and a massive shift in the permeability at the front of vortex channel. Static flux conducted through the vortex channel while in a superconducting state is modulated by forcing a quantum state of the Cooper pairs to toggle the vortex channel in and out of a superconducting state, which modifies its permeability up to 1×106 &mgr.

Abstract: The invention offers a method of producing a (Bi, Pb)-2223-based oxide superconducting material. The method is for producing a (Bi, Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3OZ-based oxide superconducting material. The method includes a material-mixing step for forming a mixed material and at least two heat treatment steps for heat-treating the mixed material. The at least two heat treatment steps has a first heat treatment step for forming (Bi, Pb)-2223 crystals and a second heat treatment step for increasing the Sr content of the (Bi, Pb)-2223 crystals after the (Bi, Pb)-2223 crystals are formed. The second heat treatment step is performed at a temperature lower than that employed in the first heat treatment step, so that the (Bi, Pb)-2223-based oxide superconducting material has a high critical temperature.

Abstract: The device has a quenchable superconductor (1), a first metallic member (2) electrically coupled with the quenchable superconductor (1), a second metallic member (3) electrically coupled to the first metallic member (2). The first metallic member (2) is thermally and electrically coupled with the quenchable superconductor (1) due to their direct surface contact. The superconducting device has a second metallic member (3) with a resistive element (4) and an electrical coupling (5) with the first metallic member (2). The resistive element (4) of the second metallic member (3) is thermally decoupled from the first metallic member (2). The first metallic member (2) has a substantially higher electrical resistance compared to the second metallic member (3).

Abstract: An RE123-based oxide superconductor characterized by comprising a conductive layer containing an REBa2Cu3O7-?-based oxide superconductor formed using a mixed material of at least RE2BaO4 and a Bax—Cuy—Oz-based material and a holding member which holds said conductive layer, where, RE is one type or more of elements selected from La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and Y.

Abstract: A superconducting joint that structurally binds a first superconducting segment to a second superconducting segment. The first and second superconducting segment each include corresponding areas containing a granular superconducting substance formed by a first element and a second element. The superconducting joint includes a solid non-superconducting binding formed from a source of the first element and a source of the second element combined to produce the granular superconducting substance around the solid non-superconducting binding to permit for the flow of superconducting current through the first superconducting segment and the second superconducting segment.

Abstract: A superconductor structure is manufactured by forming a channel within a substrate along a surface of the substrate, depositing a material within the channel of the substrate, where the material includes one of a superconductor material and a precursor for a superconductor material, and thermally treating the substance within the channel of the substrate so as to form an elongated superconductor wire formed as a single, cohesive structure. The substrate can further include a plurality of channels with superconductor wires formed within the channels. In addition, a cable is formed including a bundle of individual superconductor wires arranged at different spatial positions with respect to each other.

Abstract: A process for growth of boron-based nanostructures, such as nanotubes and nanowires, with a controlled diameter and with controlled chemical (such as composition, doping) as well as physical (such as electrical and superconducting) properties is described. The boron nanostructures are grown on a metal-substituted MCM-41 template with pores having a uniform pore diameter of less than approximately 4 nm, and can be doped with a Group Ia or Group IIa electron donor element during or after growth of the nanostructure. Preliminary data based on magnetic susceptibility measurements suggest that Mg-doped boron nanotubes have a superconducting transition temperature on the order of 100 K.

Abstract: A junction box is provided which allows serial connection of the individual conductors of at least one high temperature superconductor (HTS) wire bundle. The junction box includes an electrical interface device disposed within a junction box housing. The interface device is configured receive both ends of each conductor of each HTS wire bundle, and to provide a superconductive electrical connection between respective first ends of conductors to respective second ends of other wire bundle conductors to form at least one superconductive multi-turn electromagnetic winding.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor with superconduction properties being improved by effectively introducing a pinning center thereinto and its fabrication method are disclosed. The superconductor has a high-crystallinity oxide superconductor film which is formed on a substrate with a <001> direction of crystal grain being oriented almost perpendicularly to the substrate and with (100) planes of neighboring crystal grains being oriented to form an oblique angle ranging from 0 to 4 degrees or 86 to 90 degrees. The film has a multilayer structure including a plurality of high-density magnetic field trap layers stacked in almost parallel to the substrate and a low-density magnetic field trap layer sandwiched therebetween. An average grain boundary width of the high-density trap layers in a cross-section horizontal to the substrate is 80 nm or less. The width is less than an average grain boundary width of the low-density trap layer in its cross-section horizontal to the substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a superconducting thin film material includes a vapor phase step of forming a superconducting layer by a vapor phase method and a liquid phase step of forming a superconducting layer by a liquid phase method so that the latter superconducting layer is in contact with the former superconducting layer. Preferably, the method further includes the step of forming an intermediate layer between the former superconducting layer and a metal substrate. The metal substrate is made of a metal, and preferably the intermediate layer is made of an oxide having a crystal structure of any of rock type, perovskite type and pyrochlore type, and the former superconducting layer and the latter superconducting layer both have an RE123 composition. Accordingly, the critical current value can be improved.

Abstract: The fault current limiter in a cryogenic liquid heat transfer medium, employs a high temperature superconductor (HTS) element which has a high thermal resistance coating material encapsulating the high temperature superconductor to form an intermediate boundary layer between the HTS element and the heat transfer medium. The coating material has a thickness which enables it to minimize the retained heat in the HTS element during recovery from a fault condition, wherein substantially all heat transfer from the encapsulated high temperature superconductor element to the liquid cryogen heat transfer medium occurs at the nucleate boiling heat transfer rate.

Abstract: The superconducting winding (2) is configured such that it has a band-shaped HTS conductor (4) of the Röbel-conductor type, made of band-shaped HTS individual conductors that are transposed among each other. An armoring band (5) is to be wound to the prefabricated HTS conductor (4), the band not being metallurgically connected to the HTS conductor (4) and being subject to a comparatively larger winding tension (WZ2). The armoring band (5) is wound at a winding tension (WZ2) that is at least 1.5 times, preferably at least 3 times as large as the winding tension (WZ1) of the HTS conductor (4).

Abstract: A Bi-based oxide superconductor thin film whose c-axis is oriented parallel to the substrate and whose a-axis (or b-axis) is oriented perpendicular to the substrate, is manufactured in order to obtain a high performance layered Josephson junction using a Bi-based oxide superconductor. The method of manufacturing an a-axis oriented Bi-based oxide superconductor thin film, involves an epitaxial growth process using an LaSrAlO4 single crystal substrate of a (110) plane or a LaSrGaO4 single crystal substrate of a (110) plane, for which the lattice constant matches well with a (100) plane of a Bi-2223 oxide superconductor. By this method, rather than the normally easily obtained Bi-2212, an a-axis oriented film of Bi-2223 showing an extremely high superconductive transition temperature even for a Bi-based oxide superconductor can be selectively manufactured.

Abstract: In a metal sheath MgB2 superconducting wire, it is intended to achieve a wire having increased current density and a long length at the same time, by densitying superconducting core part. The superconducting wire is manufactured by forming diffusion hardened layer on the inner surface of the sheath such that the hardness of the inner surface becomes higher than that of the outer surface, filling MgB2 superconductor, and further if necessary, a critical current density increasing material such as indium, copper, and tin, in a metal sheath, to subject it to wire drawing. For the metal sheath, a material with toughness such as steel is used. Even if the sheath is made to a long wire, it does not break, thereby, enabling to density superconducting core part.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a superconducting thin film material includes the step of forming an intermediate layer, the step of forming one superconducting layer to be in contact with the intermediate layer and the step of forming another superconducting layer by a vapor phase method to be in contact with the one superconducting layer. Between the step of forming the intermediate layer and the step of forming the one superconducting layer, the intermediate layer is kept in a reduced water vapor ambient or reduced carbon dioxide ambient or, between the step of forming one superconducting layer and the step of forming another superconducting layer, the one superconducting layer is kept in a reduced water vapor ambient or reduced carbon dioxide ambient. Thus, the critical current value can be improved.

Abstract: A multifilament high temperature superconductor with thick, striated stabilizer is disclosed, including a substrate, a buffer layer, a multifilament superconductor layer, and at least one thick stabilizer layer. Also disclosed are components incorporating superconducting tapes and methods for manufacturing same.

Abstract: A cryostat (1) with a magnet coil system including superconductors for the production of a magnet field B0 in a measuring volume (3) within a room temperature bore (2) of the cryostat has a plurality of radially nested solenoid-shaped coil sections (4, 5, 6) which surround the room temperature bore and which are electrically connected in series, at least one of which being an LTS section (5, 6) with a conventional low temperature superconductor (LTS) and at least one of which being an HTS section (4) including a high temperature superconductor (HTS), wherein the LTS section (5, 6) is located in a helium tank (9) of the cryostat (1) along with liquid helium at a helium temperature TL. The apparatus is characterized in that the HTS section (4) is disposed radially within the LTS section (5, 6) in a vacuum portion of the cryostat and is separated from the LTS section (5, 6) by the helium tank (9) wall (9a) facing the room temperature bore.

Abstract: Disclosed is an arrangement including a support and a super-conductive film which is arranged thereon. The film has a plurality of holes in order to form a perforated grating. The holes are optionally round holes having increasing sizes, triangular holes, or holes which are arranged in a meandering manner in the film, and which produce improved properties in relation to signal conversion by a vortex diode and/or in a filter. A DC signal is directly removed therein without additional electronics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing an oxide superconducting film, the method includes reacting a metal acetate containing metal M selected from the group consisting of lanthanum, neodymium and samarium with fluorocarboxylic acid having not less than three carbon atoms, reacting barium acetate with fluorocarboxylic acid having two carbon atoms, reacting copper acetate with fluorocarboxylic acid having not less than two carbon atoms, respectively, followed by refining reaction products, dissolving the reaction products in methanol such that a molar ratio of the metal M, barium and copper is 1:2:3 to prepare a coating solution, and coating a substrate with the coating solution to form a gel film, followed by calcining and firing the gel film to prepare an oxide superconducting film.

Abstract: A new type of conductor well-suited for use in a superconducting electromagnet. The conductor comprises a single electrically conductive member at its core. The conductor may include concentric layers of dissimilar materials. This conductor is surrounded by a channel through which coolant—typically liquid helium—can flow. The channel is bounded by a metal conduit of sufficient strength to withstand the Lorentz forces. The metal conduit is covered by an insulator which forces the current into the desired helical path.

Abstract: A composite structure is provided including a base substrate, an IBAD oriented material upon the base substrate, and a cubic metal oxide material selected from the group consisting of rare earth zirconates and rare earth hafnates upon the IBAD oriented material. Additionally, an article is provided including a base substrate, an IBAD oriented material upon the base substrate, a cubic metal oxide material selected from the group consisting of rare earth zirconates and rare earth hafnates upon the IBAD oriented material, and a thick film upon the cubic metal oxide material. Finally, a superconducting article is provided including a base substrate, an IBAD oriented material upon the base substrate, a cubic metal oxide material selected from the group consisting of rare earth zirconates and rare earth hafnates upon the IBAD oriented material, and an yttrium barium copper oxide material upon the cubic metal oxide material.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation device includes at least two superconductor molded bodies with stored magnetic field configurations above a magnetic guide track. The at least two superconductor molded bodies have at least one of a stored magnetic field configuration with different vertical spacing from the guide track and a stored magnetic field configuration with different horizontal position with respect to the guide track. The at least two superconductor molded bodies are mechanically held in a position deviating from their stored position above the guide track and connected to one another. This abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Superconductor wires or layers having improved properties and methods for making the same are described. The superconducting layer includes a rare earth element—alkaline earth element—transition metal oxide having an average stacking fault density that is greater than about 0.01 nm?1, wherein two or more rare earth cations form the rare earth element. To form the superconductor layer of the present invention, a layer having a rare earth element—alkaline earth element—transition metal oxide substantially in a first crystal structure can be provided to a substrate where two or more rare earth cations form the rare earth element. The layer can then be heated at a temperature that is greater than 550° C. under oxidizing conditions to form a high-temperature superconducting layer substantially in a second crystal structure.

Abstract: An electrode is steeped in a solution of Mg and B and a negative voltage is applied to the electrode so as to precipitate superconductive MgB2 on the electrode. Superconductive MgB2 is easily manufactured in various forms and at low costs without any special device.

Abstract: A high thermal conduction insulator exhibiting thermal conductivity, insulating properties and heat radiating properties is produced by supplying a molding material composed of an insulating resin, a diamagnetic material powder and a paramagnetic material (inclusive of ferromagnetic material) powder, and exhibiting fluidity into a mold, and applying a magnetic field to the molding material in the mold to orient clusters, each being composed of diamagnetic material particles of the diamagnetic material powder, which are joined together like a chain, along directions of lines of a magnetic force, and draw the paramagnetic material (inclusive of ferromagnetic material) powder with the magnetic force along one of mold surfaces of the mold, thereby forming a heat radiating layer. Heat transmitted from a facing member to one surface of the insulator is speedily transmitted to the other surface thereof via the clusters, and is effectively radiated from the heat radiating layer existing in the other surface.

Abstract: Methods are described for synthesizing stoichiometric LiBC and hole doped Li1-xBC (lithium borocarbide) according to heating processes, such as by both an arc-melting method and a sealed tantalum ampoule method. The arc-melting method requires forming a pellet of uniformly-mixed elemental lithium, boron, and graphite and subjecting it to an arc-melt process sufficient to trigger a self-propagating exothermic reaction. Alternatively, the titanium ampoule method requires sealing uniformly-mixed elemental lithium, boron, and graphite (Li—B—C) in a tantalum ampoule; and heating under sufficient temperature for a sufficient period of time. Hole-doped Li1-xBC (0?x?0.37) can then be produced, such as through vacuum de-intercalation from the LiBC. According to the present invention, the hexagonal crystal lattice remains largely intact, with only slight decreases in lattice parameters upon hole-doping. The samples are intrinsically diamagnetic and are semiconducting in the 2 K to 300 K range studied.

Abstract: The inventive method uses a superconductor to generate energy. The superconductor is alternated between a temperature above and below a critical temperature defined by a transition between the superconducting and non-superconducting states. The superconductor interacts with a magnetic field as the superconductor changes states. Energy is harnessed by coupling with the magnetic field as its strength fluctuates. The method would be particularly suitable for harnessing solar energy in space.

Abstract: A method for electrochemical synthesis of a superconducting boron compound MgB2 which comprises the steps of preparing a powder mixture of magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride and magnesium borate, drying the mixture by electrical heating at a temperature of 400° C. or below under an inert gas atmosphere, and further heating the mixture electrically at a temperature of 400° C. or above so that it is melted and undergoes chemical reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a superconducting device (22) that comprises an inductive current limiter (28a, 29b) with an annular element (27a, 27b) produced from high-Tc superconducting material. The device is further provided with a soft-magnetic yoke leg (26c, 26d) enclosed by said material and with a transformer (23) with primary and secondary windings (24, 25) and a soft-magnetic flux element (26) with a plurality of yoke legs (26a-26e). The magnetic flux element (26) is designed to contain between the primary winding (24) and the secondary winding (25) of the transformer (23) the yoke leg (26c, 26d) of the current limiter (28), the conductor of one winding (24) producing a switch current for the current limiter (28).