Abstract: A method of forming a superconductor includes exposing a layer disposed on a substrate to an oxygen ambient, and selectively annealing a portion of the layer to form a superconducting region within the layer.

Abstract: A precursor material for the preparation of superconductors based on Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8+? wherein the precursor material which is as close to equilibrium state as possible, i.e., has less than 5% in average 2201 intergrowths in the 2212 phase; in particular, the present invention relates to a precursor material, which is converted to the final conductor by partial melt processing, as well as to a process for the production of the precursor material and the use of the precursor material for preparing superconductors based on Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8+?.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a high temperature superconductor (=HTS) coated tape (20), with the following steps: preparation of a substrate tape (1), deposition of at least one buffer layer (2), deposition of an HTS film (3), deposition of a metallic protection layer (35) on the HTS film (3) and deposition of a metallic shunt layer (36) is characterized in that, prior to deposition of the metallic shunt layer (36), the partially prepared coated tape (10) undergoes a laser beam cutting in order to provide a desired tape form, wherein the laser beam cutting is applied together with a gas flow and/or a liquid flow (23). The method reduces the loss of critical current and reduces or avoids a deterioration of the critical temperature in a HTS coated tape due to tape cutting.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of making a fluorinated precursor of a superconducting ceramic. The method comprises providing a solution comprising a rare earth salt, an alkaline earth metal salt and a copper salt; spraying the solution onto a substrate to provide a film-covered substrate; and heating the film-covered substrate in an atmosphere containing fluorinated gas to provide the fluorinated precursor.

Abstract: Methods of producing one or more biaxially textured layer on a substrate, and articles produced by the methods, are disclosed. An exemplary method may comprise electrodepositing on the substrate a precursor material selected from the group consisting of rare earths, transition metals, actinide, lanthanides, and oxides thereof. An exemplary article (150) may comprise a biaxially textured base material (130), and at least one biaxially textured layer (110) selected from the group consisting of rare earths, transition metals, actinides, lanthanides, and oxides thereof. The at least one biaxially textured layer (110) is formed by electrodeposition on the biaxially textured base material (130).

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of oxide superconducting rods. The present invention provides a process for the preparation of oxide superconducting rods. The process includes the steps of a cold isopressing process without addition of binder, particularly thin and those based on Ag-added (Bi,Pb)2 Sr2 Ca2 Cu3 O10+x is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of making a fluorinated precursor of a superconducting ceramic. The method comprises providing a solution comprising a rare earth salt, an alkaline earth metal salt and a copper salt; spraying the solution onto a substrate to provide a film-covered substrate; and heating the film-covered substrate in an atmosphere containing fluorinated gas to provide the fluorinated precursor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a high temperature superconductor (HTSC) from a strip including an upper side precursor layer and which, for continuous sintering of the precursor layer within a furnace in the presence of a fed-in reaction gas, is drawn across a support. A furnace for performing the method is also described.

Abstract: A method for preparing yttrium barium copper oxide (“YBCO”; “Y-123”; YBa2Cu3O7-x) superconducting nanoparticles is disclosed. The YBCO superconducting nanoparticles are prepared via a solid-state reaction by a solid-state reaction of an yttrium precursor, a barium precursor, and a copper precursor. One or more of the precursors are metal chelate compounds having acetylacetone ligands, which are highly stable and have a high compatibility with the other precursors.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a high-temperature superconducting conductor includes providing an elongate substrate to a reactor, the reactor having a longitudinal flow distributor. The longitudinal flow distributor has an entrance, a plurality of exits, and an interior distribution member provided between the entrance and the plurality of exits. The method further includes heating at least a portion of the substrate to a temperature sufficient to facilitate the formation of one of a superconducting material and a predecessor to a superconducting material. Further, the method includes flowing at least one precursor into the longitudinal flow distributor, through the entrance thereof, past an internal distribution member, and out through a plurality of exits, thereby longitudinally distributing the at least one precursor to form the superconducting material or predecessor thereof on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-throughput system for the ex-situ formation of a superconducting thin film, such as rare-earth-barium-copper-oxide (REBCO), atop a continuous length of buffered metal substrate tape by heating a buffered metal substrate tape coated with precursors of REBCO These precursors, when heated and introduced to water vapor within a process chamber, decompose to form a functional superconducting thin film epitaxial to the buffer layer. A chamber such as a metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) reactor having showerhead and substrate heater assemblies designed for the creation of a long and wide deposition zone is well suited for use in the process the system. The chamber could be of cold-wall type where the walls are not heated or could of hot-wall type where the walls are heated.

Abstract: A chemically doped boron coating is applied by chemical vapor deposition to a silicon carbide fiber and the coated fiber then is exposed to magnesium vapor to convert the doped boron to doped magnesium diboride and a resultant superconductor.

Abstract: Method for joining wires using low resistivity joints is provided. More specifically, methods of joining one or more wires having superconductive filaments, such as magnesium diboride filaments, are provided. The wires are joined by a low resistivity joint to form wires of a desired length for applications, such in medical imaging applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing superconducting tape through an integrated process, including the steps of: heat-treating a substrate wound on a drum in a reaction chamber; continuously depositing components, constituting a buffer layer, a superconducting layer, a contact resistance layer, and a protective layer of the superconducting tape, which are supplied from a deposition chamber, on the substrate; and heat-treating the substrate deposited with the components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a high temperature superconductor (HTSC) from a strip including an upper side precursor layer and which, for continuous sintering of the precursor layer within a furnace in the presence of a fed-in reaction gas, is drawn across a support. A furnace for performing the method is also described.

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: Improved magnesium diboride superconducting materials and methods of synthesis are disclosed. Embodiments of the superconducting material comprise at least two starting materials capable of forming MgB2 and at least one dopant compound comprising silicon, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The starting materials and the at least one dopant compound are heated and mixed at an atomic level to produce a silicon-doped MgB2 superconducting material. Examples of the dopant compound include silicone oil, Triacetoxy(methyl)silane (2), 1,7-Dichloro-octamethyltetrasiloxane (2) and Tetramethyl orthosilicate (6).

Abstract: Provides a new non-oxide system compound material superconductor as an alternative of the perovskite type copper oxides superconductor. Layered compounds which are represented by chemical formula AF(TM)Pn (wherein, A is at least one selected from a group consisting of the second family elements in the long form periodic table, F is a fluorine ion, TM is at least one selected from a group of transition metal elements consisting of Fe, Ru, Os, Ni, Pd, and Pt, and Pn is at least one selected from a group consisting of the fifteenth family elements in the long form periodic table), having a crystal structure of ZrCuSiAs type (space group P4/nmm) and which become superconductors by doping trivalent cations or divalent anions.

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: A method of synthesizing a superconducting material, comprising mixing starting materials comprising magnesium, boron, silicon and carbon; heating the mixture of starting materials to a temperature in the range between 650° C. and 2000° C. to produce a material comprising magnesium boride doped with silicon carbide; and cooling the resulting material to a temperature below the critical temperature of the material to render the material capable of superconducting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a high temperature superconductor (HTSC) from a strip including an upper side precursor layer and which, for continuous sintering of the precursor layer within a furnace in the presence of a fed-in reaction gas, is drawn across a support. A furnace for performing the method is also described.

Abstract: A thick film superconductor includes a substrate and a superconducting thick film formed on the substrate. The thick film is 1-20 microns thick with an average twin spacing to film thickness ratio of about 0.016, and is formed from an aqueous solution of YBC ions doped with a particulate rare earth oxide having a diameter of about 50-500 nm. The coated substrate is heat treated, preferably above 650 degrees C. and cooled at a rate less than 15 degrees C. per hour, resulting in a substantially fully oxygenated YBCO layer.

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: 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 method of synthesizing a superconducting material, comprising mixing starting materials comprising magnesium, boron, silicon and carbon; heating the mixture of starting materials to a temperature in the range between 650° C. and 2000° C. to produce a material comprising magnesium boride doped with silicon carbide; and cooling the resulting material to a temperature below the critical temperature of the material to render the material capable of superconducting.

Abstract: A method for the enhanced melt-textured growth of superconducting crystals is disclosed for a sample having a first material capable of exhibiting superconducting properties. The sample is heated above a peritectic temperature of the first material, cooled below the peritectic temperature, and is subsequently subjected to a plurality of temperature spikes in which the sample is rapidly reheated above the peritectic temperature and recooled below the peritectic temperature to produce a superconducting crystalline structure substantially free of secondary nucleations. The resulting crystal is a superconducting crystalline structure comprising a plurality of bands formed in succession around a seed material. Each band has a non-uniform microstructure from an inner portion to an outer portion of the band.

Abstract: A sintered high temperature superconducting (HTS) ceramic electric lead formed as three-dimensional (3D) HTS macro-ceramic solid product with honeycomb-like superconductive nano-architecture comprises substantially uniformly aligned nano-size HTS ceramic crystal grains, silicate glass nano-thick films, and nano-size silver and/or inorganic dots that locate in nano-thick boundary areas of the superconductor ceramic crystal grains, and the nano-size films or dots provide honeycomb-like 3D nano-size network within the 3D HTS macro-ceramic solid product or HTS ceramic lead, and the electric lead is superconducting at liquid nitrogen cooling temperature. The superconductive nano-architecture facilitates or controls substantially higher electro-magnetic and consumable mechanical properties, reliability and durability of the HTS ceramic electric leads.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the improvement of the supercurrent carrying capabilities, i.e. the increase of critical current densities, of polycrystalline superconductor structures, especially of high-Tcsuperconductors. By modifying the microstructure of the substrate or by appropriately influencing the buffer layers in coated conductors to obtain grains with large aspect ratios which are predominantly oriented along the direction of the current flow, grain boundaries with large areas are obtained in the polycrystalline superconducting film that can support large critical currents along the superconductor. Thereby large critical currents are obtained in the superconductor for a given spread of misorientation angles of the grains.

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 method for production of hollow bodies, in particular for radio-frequency resonators is shown and described. The object to provide a hollow bodies and a resonator, respectively, having improved electrical properties is achieved by a method comprising the following steps: Providing a substrate having a monocrystalline region, defining a cut area through the substrate, fitting markings on both sides of the cut area, producing two wafers by cutting along the cut area, wherein the wafers are completely removed from the monocrystalline region, forming the wafers into half-cells, wherein the half-cells have a joining area, joining together the half-cells to form a hollow body, wherein the joining areas bear on one another, and wherein the markings on the half-cells are oriented with respect to one another on both sides of the joining area as on both sides of the cut areas.

Abstract: A alloy (Mg—X) of metal (X) and Mg in a liquid phase is made to react with B in a solid phase at a low temperature to manufacture a superconductor, which contains a large amount of MgB2 potential for MRI, linear motorcar, superconducting cavity, electric power transmission cable, high-magnetic field magnet for medical units, electric power storage (SMES), and the like and is formed in the shape of bulk, wire, and foil, by heat treatment performed at a low temperature for a short time and at low cost.

Abstract: In a superconductive connection for two end pieces of superconductors that each have a matrix of normally-conductive material and at least one superconductor lead, of superconductive material, in the matrix, and in a method for making such a superconductive connection, the respective end pieces of the conductor leads are stripped of the matrix material and are inserted into a sheath or bushing. MgB2, as superconductive contacting material, is additionally inserted into the sheath or bushing, so as to at least partially fill regions in the sheath or bushing between the conductor leads. The cross-section of the sheath or bushing is then reduced.

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: 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 gallium. 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: A dry non-plasma treatment system and method for removing oxide material is described. The treatment system is configured to provide chemical treatment of one or more substrates, wherein each substrate is exposed to a gaseous chemistry, including HF and optionally NH3, under controlled conditions including source temperature and gas pressure. Furthermore, the treatment system is configured to provide thermal treatment of each substrate, wherein each substrate is thermally treated to remove the chemically treated surfaces on each substrate.

Abstract: A class of superconductive materials containing copper-oxygen bonding and with mixed cation-occupancy designed with a view to size and valence consideration yield useful values of critical temperature and other properties. Uses entail all applications which involves superconducting materials such as magnets and transmission lines which require continuous superconductivity paths as well as detectors (e.g., which may rely on tunneling).

Abstract: Described is a superconducting composition comprising an oxide complex of the formula [L1?xMx]aAbOy wherein L is lanthanum, lutetium, yttrium, or scandium; A is copper, bismuth, titanium, tungsten, zirconium, tantalum, niobium, or vanadium; M is barium, strontium, calcium, magnesium or mercury; and “a” is 1 to 2; “b” is 1; and “x” is a number in the range of 0.01 to 1.0; and “y” is about 2 to about 4. The oxide complexes of the invention are prepared by a solid-state reaction procedure which produces an oxide complex having an enhanced superconducting transition temperature compared to an oxide complex of like empirical composition prepared by a coprecipitation—high temperature decomposition procedure. With an oxide complex prepared by the solid-state reaction of the invention a transition temperature as high as 100°K has been observed even under atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The inventive method of manufacturing an oxide superconducting wire comprises a step (S1, S2) of preparing a wire formed by covering raw material powder of an oxide superconductor with a metal and a step (S4, S6) of heat-treating the wire in a pressurized atmosphere, and the total pressure of the pressurized atmosphere is at least 1 MPa and less than 50 MPa. Thus, formation of voids between oxide superconducting crystals and blisters of the oxide superconducting wire is suppressed while the partial oxygen pressure can be readily controlled in the heat treatment, whereby the critical current density can be improved.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a metal strip for epitaxial coating with a biaxially textured layer, this metal strip, however, being able to be produced in an uncomplicated manner and having a high tensile strength, low magnetic losses and/or a high electrical conductivity. According to the invention, the metal strip is comprised of Nj, Cu, Ag or alloys thereof all serving as basic material, whereby the one-layer metal strip and, in the instance of a multilayer metal strip, at least one of its layers contains 10 nm to 5 ?m large, strength-increasing dispersoids comprised of carbides, borides, oxides and/or nitrides with a volume proportion ranging from 0.1 to 5%. In the instance of a multilayer metal strip, the layers form a composite, and at least one of the layers does not contain any dispersoids and has a biaxial texture. For the production, a starting material is used, which is comprised of Ni, Cu, Ag or of alloys thereof all serving as basic material and which contains 0.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of forming thick films of crystalline YBa2Cu3O7 that includes forming a precursor film comprising barium fluoride (BaF2), yttrium (Y) and copper (Cu). The precursor film is heat-treated at a temperature above 500° C. in the presence of oxygen, nitrogen and water vapor at sub-atmospheric pressure to form a crystalline structure. The crystalline structure is then annealed at about 500° C. in the presence of oxygen to form the crystalline YBa2Cu3O7 film. The YBa2Cu3O7 film formed by this method has a resistivity of from about 100 to about 600 &mgr;Ohm-cm at room temperature and a critical current density measured at 77 K in a magnetic field of 1 Tesla of about 1.0×105 Ampere per square centimeter (0.1 MA/cm2) or greater.

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: Proposed are a selective reduction type high temperature superconductor and methods of making the same, the superconductor having a pair of charge supply layers each formed of a Cu1-xMx surface (1, 1), a first superconducting layer formed of a 5-coordination CuO2 surface (2) and a second superconducting layer formed of a 4-coordination CuO2 surface (3). Reducing M ions (e.g., Tl ions) in the charge supply layers by heat treatment in a reducing atmosphere enables the 5-coordination CuO2 surface (2) as the first superconducting layer to be over-doped and the 4-coordination CuO2 surface (3) as the second superconducting layer to be optimum-doped. According to the present invention, a high temperature superconductor is provided that with its critical temperature held high has a reduced superconducting anisotropy &ggr;, and provides a high critical current density Jc and a high c irreversibility field Hirr.

Abstract: The method of preparing an oxide superconducting wire comprises steps of preparing a wire by coating raw material powder for a Bi—Pb—Sr—Ca—Cu—O based oxide superconductor including a 2223 phase with a metal and heat treating the wire in a pressurized atmosphere containing oxygen in a prescribed partial pressure, and the total pressure of the pressurized atmosphere is at least 0.5 MPa. The pressure heat treatment apparatus comprises a pressure furnace storing and heat treating a target in a pressurized atmosphere, a pressure regulator for measuring the total pressure in the pressure furnace, an oxygen concentration meter for measuring the oxygen concentration in the pressure furnace and a controller for controlling the oxygen partial pressure in the pressure furnace in response to the total pressure measured by the pressure regulator and the oxygen concentration measured by the oxygen concentration meter.

Abstract: A tuning mechanism for a superconducting radio frequency particle accelerator cavity, wherein the cavity comprises a number of axially aligned cells held by a frame, with at least one active cell that is axially stretchable to tune the resonant frequency of the cavity. The tuning mechanism comprises a lever arm having a center of rotation, one or more mechanical members coupling the lever arm to an active cell, and a motor adapted to move the lever arm, to thereby move the active cell through the mechanical members.

Abstract: The method of preparing an oxide superconducting wire comprises steps of preparing a wire by coating raw material powder for a Bi—Pb—Sr—Ca—Cu—O based oxide superconductor including a 2223 phase with a metal and heat treating the wire in a pressurized atmosphere containing oxygen in a prescribed partial pressure, and the total pressure of the pressurized atmosphere is at least 0.5 MPa. The pressure heat treatment apparatus comprises a pressure furnace storing and heat treating a target in a pressurized atmosphere, a pressure regulator for measuring the total pressure in the pressure furnace, an oxygen concentration meter for measuring the oxygen concentration in the pressure furnace and a controller for controlling the oxygen partial pressure in the pressure furnace in response to the total pressure measured by the pressure regulator and the oxygen concentration measured by the oxygen concentration meter.

Abstract: Superconducting phases comprising magnesium diboride related composites and methods of preparation.

Abstract: A superconductor composite material consists of sintering products of interaction of superconductor ceramics with silicone material. The superconductor composite material can also include at least one metal, metal oxide or halogen element dope that interacts with superconductor ceramics and silicone residuals at sintering high temperature. The suspension or slurry of superconductor ceramics, silicone and dope powders can be used for coating of the particular substrate. Such coating employs modified forming methods including dip coating, painting, slip casting, cladding, printing, and spraying in order to produce continuous superconductor filament, wire, tape, coil, large size screen, and small chip or electronic element. The condensed suspension is used for extrusion, injection molding, and pressing continuous and short superconductor tubes, rods, beams, rails as well as disks, rings and other bulk shaped materials.

Abstract: A superconducting laminated oxide substrate, which comprises a laminate a layer of a superconducting oxide crystal substrate made of a superconducting oxide single crystal or a superconducting oxide polycrystal and a layer of a reinforcing crystal substrate, prevents cracks from occurring in the superconducting oxide crystal substrate due to the heat treatment conducted for the purpose of forming an insulation film or a conductor film, and provides easy connectivity between electrodes and wiring formed on substrates located at upper and lower positions.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a process for producing a superconducting wire without defects, such as deterioration of characteristics and deformation, in which a superconducting wire having a length of 1 km or more and a high critical electric current density is easily subjected to heat treatment. The first invention comprises a step of inserting a metallic sheath wire, which is formed by filling a superconducting material in a metallic sheath, into a metallic tube having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter or a width of the metallic sheath wire; and a step of conducting heat treatment under such a condition in that the superconducting wire is wound to overlap a cylindrical fixture to prevent contact with each other while controlling the interior of the metallic tube. The second invention uses a ceramic board on the heat treatment of a pancake formed by winding the metallic sheath wire on a core.

Abstract: A process of preparing superconducting magnesium diboride powder by heating an admixture of solid magnesium and amorphous boron powder or pellet under an inert atmosphere in a Mg:B ratio of greater than about 0.6:1 at temperatures and for time sufficient to form said superconducting magnesium diboride. The process can further include exposure to residual oxygen at high synthesis temperatures followed by slow cooling. In the cooling process oxygen atoms dissolved into MgB2 segregated to form nanometer-sized coherent Mg(B,O) precipitates in the MgB2 matrix, which can act as flux pinning centers.