Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a high temperature superconductor having a doped, nanoparticulate pinning structure. The method includes providing a nanoparticulate pinning material, providing a cuprate material, doping the nanoparticulate pinning material with a dopant to form a doped nanoparticulate material, depositing a layer of the cuprate material on a substrate, and depositing a layer of the doped nanoparticulate material on the layer of cuprate material. The invention also provides a high temperature superconductor (HTS) having a doped, nanoparticulate pinning structure including a plurality of layers of a cuprate material and a plurality of layers of a doped nanoparticulate pinning material. At least one layer of the doped nanoparticulate pinning material is stacked between two layers of the cuprate material.

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: A method for forming a superconducting wire with a tape substrate comprises dispensing the tape substrate, providing at least one reactor chamber to form at least one buffer material on the tape substrate based on determining at least one of a type of tape substrate, a type of superconductor material, and a type of buffer material, providing another reactor chamber to continuously form a layer of the superconductor material on a layer of the buffer material, and spooling the tape substrate with the layer of superconductor material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tape-formed oxide superconductor, in which a tape-formed wire material (6 in FIG. 1) is extended between a pair of reels (5a and 5b). Besides, a reactive gas is supplied form the gas supply ports of a reactive gas supply pipe (3a) vertically to the upper side film surface of the tape-formed wire material (6), so as to react the film body of this tape-formed wire material into a superconducting layer, while at the same time, a gas after the reaction is discharged from the gas discharge ports of discharge pipes (4a and 4b) for discharging the gas after the reaction. Likewise, the reactive gas is supplied vertically to the lower side film surface of the tape-formed wire material (6), so as to react the film body of this tape-formed wire material into a superconducting layer, while at the same time, the gas after the reaction is discharged from the gas discharge ports of discharge pipes (4c and 4d) for discharging the gas after the reaction.

Abstract: A band-shaped high-temperature superconductor (HTSL) with high critical current density can be produced economically in a wet-chemical process. In the process, a first precursor solution is applied to a carrier, dried, and annealed. Additional precursor solutions may then be applied, with the first precursor solution contain little or no pinning centers, and any subsequent precursor solutions contains a higher concentration of pinning centers than the first precursor solutions.

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: The formation of band-shaped HTSL on a metal substrate is disclosed. The HTSL includes at least one buffer layer comprising zirconates and/or rare-earth oxides. The HTSL layer is formed on the buffer layer. The buffer layer has a texturing that in the case of a RHEED measurement results in discrete reflexes and not only in diffraction rings. In particular, the buffer layer may be textured along its interface with the HTSL layer.

Abstract: To provide an oxide superconductor thick film formation method that can enhance adhesiveness of a Bi2223 thick film to a body to be processed on which the Bi2223 thick film is formed, and increase a cross-sectional area of the Bi2223 thick film, without a decrease in Jc of the Bi2223 thick film. A mixture of a compound oxide having composition Bi2212 and Pb is applied to a surface of the body to be processed, and burned to form a first thick film. An oxide superconductor thick film expressed by a general formula (Bi, Pb)2+aSr2Ca2Cu3OZ (where ?0.1?a?0.5) is formed on the first thick film.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor article having an oxide superconductor layer of a predetermined pattern is prepared by continuously advancing a wire having a textured surface into a deposition zone, dispensing droplets of a precursor solution to an oxide superconductor from a reservoir and the depositing droplets onto the textured surface of the wire that is introduced into the deposition zone, heating the wire or tape in the reaction zone under conditions to convert the precursor solution into an oxide superconductor; and collecting the wire after heating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-temperature superconductor component with a particular cross-sectional area, which has a current-carrying section, the current-carrying section being in contact with a safety conductor in such a way that the critical current flowing on transition of the superconductor to normal conduction can be taken up without damage by the safety conductor in at least 1 second and rerouted, as well as a process for its production.

Abstract: A metal complex composition containing complexes having metal species of a rare earth element, barium and copper and ligands of a trifluoroacetic acid or pentafluoropropionic acid ligand, a pyridine ligand and an acetylacetone ligand. A superconductive film may be obtained by applying an organic solvent solution of the above metal complex composition to a substrate and by heat treating the coating.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing solid superconducting mixed-metal oxides whereby the superconductor can be formed into any predetermined shape by way of viscous sol precursors. The superconductors are also formed by this process into homogeneous phases.

Abstract: There is described a method of applying insulative coating on high temperature superconductors and low temperature superconductors from sol-gel solutions prepared from Zr, or Zr with one of Mg, Y, Ce, In and Sn based precursor materials. The solution is prepared with isopropanol as a solvent and acetyl acetone as a catalyst. The conductors are dipped into the solution and thereafter dried at a temperature effective to evaporate the solvent. Thereafter, heat treatment in the presence of oxygen is applied at a temperature sufficient to oxidize the precursors to result in a ceramic insulative coating on the conductor.

Abstract: A process for centrifugal slip casting a textured hollow tube. A slip made up of a carrier fluid and a suspended powder is introduced into a porous mold which is rotated at a speed sufficient to create a centrifugal force that forces the slip radially outward toward the inner surface of the mold. The suspended powder, which is formed of particles having large dimensional aspect ratios such as particles of superconductive BSCCO, settles in a textured fashion radially outward toward the mold surface. The carrier fluid of the slip passes by capillary action radially outward around the settled particles and into the absorbent mold. A layer of mold release material is preferably centrifugally slip cast to cover the mold inner surface prior to the introduction of the BSCCO slip, and the mold release layer facilitates removal of the BSCCO greenbody from the mold without fracturing.

Abstract: A high temperature oxide superconducting wire is provided which is capable of preventing metal located on the outer periphery of the superconducting wire from diffusing into a superconductor to achieve restriction of reduction in the critical current density. The high temperature oxide superconducting wire includes a high temperature oxide superconductor 1, a sheathing body 2 formed of material containing silver for coating the high temperature oxide superconductor 1, a heat-resistant oxide ceramic material 3 for coating the sheathing body 2, and a coating body 4 mwhich is inactive relative to the heat-resistant oxide ceramic material 3 in a high temperature oxidative atmosphere.

Abstract: A rod 1 made of superconducting oxide is soaked in a molten normal conductor 2 to join the rod 1 and the normal conductor 2, whereby a superconducting oxide current lead is prepared. As a result, a contact resistance at the interface between the superconducting oxide and the normal conductor can be reduced. Consequently, Joule's heat at a current lead having a small cross sectional area can be suppressed low, which in turn realizes the reduction of the load on a freezer and the amount of evaporated cooling solvent, with respect to a superconducting coil.

Abstract: A novel ceramic substrate useful for the preparation of superconducting films, said substrate having the formula REBa.sub.2 MO.sub.6 where RE represents rare earth metals--Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu and M represents metals Nb, Sb, Sn, Hf, Zr; and a process for the preparation of superconducting YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-.delta. thick films on new ceramic substrate.

Abstract: A novel ceramic substrate useful for the preparation of superconducting films, said substrate having the formula REBa.sub.2 MO.sub.6 where RE represents rare earth metals--Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu and M represents metals Nb, Sb, Sn, Hf, Zr; and a process for the preparation of superconducting YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-.delta. thick films on new ceramic substrate.

Abstract: A high temperature superconductor (HTS) tri-layer structure and a method for providing the same are described. Preferable two dimensional growth for all layers is provided resulting in smooth surfaces and highly crystalline layers. Full oxygenation of HTS under-layer(s) is provided despite having thick intervening dielectric mid-layer. HTS over- and under-layers are preferably structurally and electrically similar and have high crystallinity, the HTS layers have high T.sub.c (e.g. >90K) comparable to T.sub.c of single layer superconductor layers and a high J.sub.c (e.g. >10.sup.6 A/cm.sup.2), the tri-layer properties do not significantly degrade as the thickness of the layers is increased, and the dielectric mid-layer has high resistivity and is substantially pin-hole free.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a high interconnection density, fine-line, superconductive printed leadframes using thick-film screen-printing techniques, or other printing techniques. Generally, a superconductive leadframe pattern is printed on a backing substrate. Once the pattern is cured, the backing substrate, or portions thereof can be removed. The backing substrate can be a "fish paper" substrate treated with a release agent, or other substrate material which can be dissolved away, etched away, or otherwise removed. Portions of the backing substrate can be used to provide mechanical integrity for the leadframe. The leadframe fingers can be printed using a superconductive paste or a superconductive precursor paste which is subsequently treated to exhibit superconductivity.

Abstract: Circuit board devices are provided based on use of high temperature superconducting ceramic polymers comprising high temperature superconducting ceramic powders distributed in electrically insulative organic polymers which are thermosetting by reaction of a two-part liquid mixture or by catalytic or photoinitiation of a one-part liquid. The ceramic domains transmit their superconductivity across the insulating barriers of organic polymers enabling formation of superconductive lines and superconducting bonds to electronic devices to be adhered to circuit boards, and providing superconducting circuitry.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for forming a super-conducting film, which a multi-layer metal film (buffer film) is formed at a specific temperature on a ceramic substrate and a superconducting film is formed at a specific temperature on the multi-layer metal film. According to this process, a superconducting film having a high critical temperature can be formed over the ceramic substrate while controlling or suppressing the occurrence of a chemical reaction between the substrate and the superconducting film, and required superconducting performances can be manifested or exhibited.

Abstract: A method for making metal/ceramic superconductor thick film structures including the steps of preparing a silver/superconductor ink, applying the ink to a substrate, evaporating the ink's binder, decomposing a silver compound in the residue to coat the superconductor grains, sintering the coated superconductor grains, and oxygenating the superconductor grains through the silver coating. The resultant inter-granular silver increases the critical current and mechanical strength of the superconductor.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a superconductor is carried out by first preparing a material composed of Y.sub.1 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7. This material is heated/molten in a platinum crucible. A melt thus obtained is drawn out from a high-temperature frame provided above the platinum crucible and heated to a temperature exceeding the melting point of the material. The melt thus drawn out is cooled by natural standing, to be solidified. As the result, an elongated superconductor composed of Y.sub.1 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7 can be obtained. This superconductor enters a superconductive state at 90 K.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x superconductor which comprises surrounding a sintered material in which the molar ratio of Y:Ba:Cu is 2:1:1 with liquid-forming powder and subjecting the powder compact to isothermal heat-treatment at a temperature below the peritectic temperature of YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x. The YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x superconductors prepared according to the present invention have aligned grain structure in one direction and thus exhibit a high critical current density.

Abstract: In accordance this invention, there is provided a process for making a bulk superconductive material. In the first step of this process, a diffusion couple is formed from superconductor oxide and impurity oxide. Thereafter, the diffusion couple is heated to a temperature in excess of 800 degrees Centigrade, cooled at a controlled rate, and annealed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing cylindrical or round parts of high-T.sub.c superconductor material comprising bismuth, strontium, calcium, copper and oxygen. In this process, a pre-prepared finely-divided oxide mixture with organic additives is first introduced at room temperature into a casting mold. The shaped mixture is then converted into the superconducting shaped part by subsequent thermal treatment.

Abstract: The generation of a reaction product is suppressed between a metallic substrate and plasma in depositing a ceramic intermediate layer on the metallic substrate in a process for depositing an oxide film on the metallic substrate by thermal plasma flash evaporation method. Thus, there is no reaction phase in the ceramic intermediate layer and the metallic substrate, and an intermediated buffer layer of only oxide ceramic is deposited on a flat surface of the metallic substrate. The intermediate ceramic layer is deposited in inert atmosphere of a low oxygen concentration at a temperature of less than 600.degree. C. for the metallic substrate. Then, a superconducting thin film is deposited on the ceramic intermediate layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating fine mists of liquids using a rotating turbine blade disposed within an enclosure. A mixture of a liquid and a carrier gas are flowed into the enclosure such that it immediately impacts on the rotating turbine blade disposed near a lower end of the enclosure, and the resulting mist is withdrawn under vacuum near an upper end of the enclosure. A method and apparatus are also disclosed for chemical vapor deposition of thin films of complex chemical compounds using the discussed mists.

Abstract: According to the present invention, when a superconductive thin film is formed on a substrate of a single crystal, a compound having a composition of SrNdGaO.sub.4 and a K.sub.2 NiF.sub.4 type crystal structure is used as a material employable for the substrate. Alternatively, a single crystal composed of an oxide in which Ca, La and Cr are added to the foregoing compound is used as a material employable for the substrate. Then, a superconductive thin film composed of an oxide is formed on the substrate by employing an epitaxial growing method. Thus, the present invention makes it possible to provide a superconductive material having an excellent property of lattice alignment, a stable and high critical superconductivity temperature and a stable critical superconductivity electric current.

Abstract: In an oxide superconducting film wiring, when the line width is reduced, the evaporation of a component during firing becomes so vigorous that it becomes impossible to form a desired single crystal phase, which causes a significant lowering in the properties of the oxide superconducting wiring. This problem can be solved by preventing the evaporation of the evaporable component during the firing. Examples of this include a process wherein plate is placed above the superconductor forming material film wiring pattern on the substrate so as to face each other, the plate comprising a material having no chemical influence on the superconducting wiring, and a pattern of a material containing an evaporable component is arbitrarily formed, a process wherein a pattern having a smaller line width is sandwiched between patterns having a larger line width, and a process wherein the firing atmosphere or the concentration of the evaporable component in the pattern is varied depending upon the line width.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a superconductive flexible conductor having a high critical temperature in which method a deposit of superconductive ceramic is applied to a metal tape of thickness lying in the range 0.1 mm to 1 mm, wherein:the deposit of thickness lying in the range 50 .mu.m to 300 .mu.m and of concentration by volume of not less than 70% runs through an infrared beam at a speed of not less than 5 cm per minute, the zone treated by the the beam having a width of less than 10 mm relative to the travel direction and a surface temperature of not less than 1200.degree. C., thereby imparting a surface superconductive layer to the deposit which is of concentration by volume close to 100%, which is textured in the travel direction, and which is of thickness lying in the range 10 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m; andannealing is then performed under oxygen.

Abstract: An elongated, flexible superconductive wire or strip is fabricated by pulling it through and out of a melt of metal oxide material at a rate conducive to forming a crystalline coating of superconductive metal oxide material on an elongated, flexible substrate wire or strip. A coating of crystalline superconductive material, such as Bi.sub.2 Sr.sub.2 CaCu.sub.2 O.sub.8, is annealed to effect conductive contact between adjacent crystalline structures in the coating material, which is then cooled to room temperature. The container for the melt can accommodate continuous passage of the substrate through the melt. Also, a second pass-through container can be used to simultaneously anneal and overcoat the superconductive coating with a hot metallic material, such as silver or silver alloy. A hollow, elongated tube casting method of forming an elongated, flexible superconductive wire includes drawing the melt by differential pressure into a heated tubular substrate.

Abstract: A superconducting circuit board is provided comprising a sintered alumina board containing more than 99% by weight of alumina and an interconnection pattern of an superconducting ceramics formed on the alumina board. Adhesion of the interconnection pattern to the alumina board is improved by an addition of Ti or Si coupling agent to a paste for forming the interconnection pattern. The use of copper powder in place of copper oxide powder as an ingredient forming a superconducting ceramics in the paste is advantageous for printing and obtaining a uniform superconducting ceramic pattern.

Abstract: Ceramic compositions comprising a distillable binder, shaped articles formed therefrom and a method for making said compositions and for forming the shaped articles.

Abstract: Filamentary and sheet-like oxide superconductive bodies can be produced by ceramic fabrication techniques such as extrusion, screen printing, tape casting and slip casting, provided the firing conditions are chosen such that the correct amount of oxygen deficiency is attained in the ceramic, and such that contact with chemically non-compatible material is avoided. Thus produced superconductive bodies are advantageously incorporated into apparatus such as magnets, power cables, interconnects, electrical components, and sensors.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a device having a film of high temperature superconductor, a copper substrate is used in the electrophoretic deposition as a cathode on which fine powders of superconductor should be deposited, and the fine powders deposited on the substrate are fired in the conditions that they are sintered partially.In other methods for manufacturing such a device, a desired minute pattern of electrically conductive material as a cathode in the electrophoretic deposition is formed on a substrate, and a minute pattern of fine powders is deposited according to the pattern of the cathode. Then, the fine powders are fired to form a superconductor film. Such a desired pattern of the cathode is formed by the patterning of a film of an electrically insulating substrate. Such a desired pattern of the cathode is also formed by the patterning of an electrically insulating material, applied to an electrically conductive substrate.

Abstract: An Improved method of manufacturing superconducting ceramics in the form of a thin film are described. The thin film is first formed of a superimposed structure composed of three films which contain a rare earth metal, an alkalline earth metal and copper respectively. Then the superimposed thin film is fired to convert to a superconducting film.

Abstract: Dense superconducting ceramic oxide articles of manufacture and methods for producing these articles are described. Generally these articles are produced by first processing these superconducting oxides by ceramic processing techniques to optimize materials properties, followed by reestablishing the superconducting state in a desired portion of the ceramic oxide composite.

Abstract: A method of producing a superconductor of metal oxides which includes subjecting an organic solvent solution containing (a) an alkoxide of a rare earth element, (b) an alkoxide of an alkaline earth metal and (c) copper alkoxide or cupric nitrate to hydrolysis in the presence of water and nitrate ions, thereby forming a mixture containing a gel-like substance. The gel-like substance is, after being dried and formed into a desired shape, pyrolyzed at a temperature of 600.degree.-950.degree.C. to form a superconductor of oxides of the rare earth, the alkaline earth metal and copper.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an oxide superconductor including (a) alternately laminating at least one first layer including an oxide superconductor or a precursor thereof with at least one second layer including a metal material to form a laminated body, (b) forming an outermost metal coating layer of the metal material on the laminated body to form a laminated structure, and (c) heating and cooling the laminated structure or elongating the laminated structure into a desired shape and then carrying out heating and cooling.

Abstract: The structures for confining or guiding high frequency electromagnetic radiation have surfaces facing the radiation constructed of high temperature superconducting materials, that is, materials having critical temperatures greater than approximately 35.degree. K. The use of high temperature superconductors removes the constraint of the relatively low energy gaps of conventional, low temperature superconductors which precluded their use at higher frequencies. The high temperature superconductors also provide larger thermal margins and more effective cooling. Devices which will benefit from the structures of the invention include microwave cavities, millimeter-wave/far infrared cavities, gyrotron cavities, mode converters, accelerators and free electron lasers, and waveguides.

Abstract: A superconducting screen printing ink comprises an organic composition, a mineral binder and a mineral composition which is a high temperature superconducting Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O material or a precursor therefore. A thick superconducting film is produced by screen printing deposition of the ink on a substrate through a mask, drying and then baking the deposited ink. The ink and film are useful in microelectronics.

Abstract: A process of forming on a substrate a coating of a precursor of a crystalline rear earth alkaline earth copper oxide or heavy pnictide mixed alkaline earth copper oxide electrical conductor and converting the precursor to the crystalline electrical conductor.

Abstract: Articles comprising a quantity of superconductive oxide material can be fabricated by a process that comprises melting of part of an oxide precursor material, with resultant directional resolidification. Exemplary embodiments comprise zone melting and movement of the hot zone through the precursor material. The method can result in superconductive material having improved properties, e.g., higher critical current, as compared to prior art oxide superconductors.

Abstract: An improved method for producing high temperature superconductors comprising sintering ceramic superconductor material in a sealed confinement chamber made of non-reactive impervious material, thereby preventing loss of oxygen from the material during heating and eliminating the need for reoxygenation after sintering.

Abstract: A method for mechanically aligning oriented superconducting or permanently magnetic materials for further processing into constructs. This pretreatment optimizes the final crystallographic orientation and, thus, properties in these constructs. Such materials as superconducting fibers, needles and platelets are utilized.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing superconducting ceramics in the form of a thin film are described. The thin film is first formed of a superimposed structure composed of three films which contain a rare earth metal, an alkaline metal and copper respectively. Then the superimposed thin film is fired to convert to superconducting film.

Abstract: A method for making superconductive ceramics laminates comprises forming a thick film of a composite oxide comprising bismuth, strontium, calcium, copper and oxygen on a flat plane of a substrate, and orienting and crystallizing the thus formed film by heat treatment to cause the c-axis of composite oxide crystals to be substantially perpendicular to said flat plane of said substrate. An intermediate layer formed of a noble metal, MgO, SrTiO.sub.3, yttria-stabilized zirconia or an oxide of a superconductive ceramics-constituting element may be interposed between the film and the substrate.

Abstract: A method for preparing a superconductor sputtering target is disclosed in which sputtering targets for coating superconductor films can be prepared essentially by mixing oxides (carbonates or fluorides) of metals such as Y, Ba, Cu (Bi, Pb), Sr, Ca,Cu) with the atomic ratio of individual elements be controlled in a specific range, an oxide superconductor paste being prepared by blending an organic binder and an organic solvent according to a specific solid percentage, and a metal such as aluminum being used as the substrate; by scraping with a squeegee and adjusting the distance between a stencil and the substrate such that the superconductor paste seeps through a mesh to be printed on the substrate and then dried; after scraping, screen-printing and drying having been repeated several times, the substrate being placed into an oven and heated to a temperature of 400.degree.-450.degree. C., at a rate of less than 5.degree. C.