Abstract: Under one aspect, a laminated, spliced superconductor wire includes a superconductor joint, which includes (i) first and second superconductor wires, each wire including a substrate, a superconductor layer overlying the substrate, and a cap layer overlying the superconductor layer; and (ii) a conductive bridge, the conductive bridge including a substrate, a superconductor layer overlying the substrate, and a cap layer overlying the superconductor layer, wherein the cap layer of the conductive bridge is in electrically conductive contact with a portion of the cap layer of each of the first and second superconductor wires through an electrically conductive bonding material. The spliced wire also includes (b) a stabilizer structure surrounding at least a portion of the superconductor joint, wherein the superconductor joint is in electrical contact with the stabilizer structure; and (c) a substantially nonporous electrically conductive filler, wherein the filler substantially surrounds the superconductor joint.

Abstract: A thin film superconductive wire material (16) and an electro conductive tape (15) are immersed in a solder bath (35) containing a solder, which includes Sn(tin) and Bi (bismuth), to bond the thin film superconductive wire material (16) and the electro conductive tape (15) and a composite superconductive wire material (10) is formed.

Abstract: Under one aspect, a laminated, spliced superconductor wire includes a superconductor joint, which includes (i) first and second superconductor wires, each wire including a substrate, a superconductor layer overlying the substrate, and a cap layer overlying the superconductor layer; and (ii) a conductive bridge, the conductive bridge including a substrate, a superconductor layer overlying the substrate, and a cap layer overlying the superconductor layer, wherein the cap layer of the conductive bridge is in electrically conductive contact with a portion of the cap layer of each of the first and second superconductor wires through an electrically conductive bonding material. The spliced wire also includes (b) a stabilizer structure surrounding at least a portion of the superconductor joint, wherein the superconductor joint is in electrical contact with the stabilizer structure; and (c) a substantially nonporous electrically conductive filler, wherein the filler substantially surrounds the superconductor joint.

Abstract: A method for producing an oxide superconductor by partially melting and solidifying the precursor of the oxide superconductor is a method wherein the precursor is placed on a substrate material containing pure metal or a compound which is meltable in the precursor when the precursor is in a partially molten state, and partially melting and solidifying the precursor in said state.

Abstract: A superconducting article includes a first superconductive segment having a nominal thickness tn1, a second superconductive segment having a nominal thickness tn2, and a joint region comprising a splice connecting the first and second superconductive segments together. The splice overlies portions of both the first and second superconductive segments along the joint region, the joint region having a thickness tjr, wherein tjr is not greater than at least one of 1.8 tn1 and 1.8 tn2.

Abstract: Methods for implementing production of an oxide superconductor joined member, excellent in electric current transmission performance, without a need of going through particularly complex steps, are provided. When joining together oxide superconductors by use of a solder composed of an oxide superconducting material, a finally solidified portion of the solder is positioned in a region where a transmission path of electric current flowing between oxide superconductor base materials as joined together is not obstructed by, for example, disposing the solder on a face of the oxide superconductor base materials, other than butting surfaces of the oxide superconductor base materials, so as to straddle both the base materials like bridge-building. Current flow is also not obstructed by, for example, shaping junction faces of the oxide superconductor base materials such that at least portions of the butting surfaces thereof are in the shape of sloped open faces, parting from each other.

Abstract: A method for joining high temperature superconducting components while minimizing critical current degradation is provided. The articles formed have critical currents that are at least 80 % of the critical current of the high temperature superconducting components. The invention further provides splicing geometries that facilitate wrapping joined components around a mandrel, tube or the like with minimal critical current degradation and without kinking or flexion of the joined components.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of making a superconductor so that it includes, in cross-section: a central area, made up of a plurality of superconductor filaments of the NbTi, NbTiTa type or of any other alloy or substance based on Nb; a concentric, two part, outer ring surrounding the central area; and a concentric resistive barrier. In accordance with the invention, the concentric resistive barrier is integrated into the concentric outer ring.

Abstract: A superconductive article is made from interconnected superconductive, metallic tapes. The tapes are mechanically joined, and electrically interconnected by a plurality of superconductive interconnections that extend between the tapes. Articles of the invention may be formed from tapes comprising superconductive Nb.sub.3 Sn having Nb.sub.3 Sn interconnections.

Abstract: A joining product of oxide superconducting materials having a high current density and process for producing the same. A joining product comprising a plurality of oxide superconducting materials having an identical crystal orientation joined with each other through a superconducting phase of the same type as described above which has the same crystal orientation as the oxide superconducting materials and a lower peritectic temperature than the oxide superconducting materials.

Abstract: The present invention is a superconducting radiofrequency window assembly for use in an electron beam accelerator. The srf window assembly (20) has a superconducting metal-ceramic design. The srf window assembly (20) comprises a superconducting frame (30), a ceramic plate (40) having a superconducting metallized area, and a superconducting eyelet (50) for sealing plate (40) into frame (30). The plate (40) is brazed to eyelet (50) which is then electron beam welded to frame (30). A method for providing a ceramic object mounted in a metal member to withstand cryogenic temperatures is also provided. The method involves a new metallization process for coating a selected area of a ceramic object with a thin film of a superconducting material. Finally, a method for assembling an electron beam accelerator cavity utilizing the srf window assembly is provided.

Abstract: A superconductive article is made from interconnected superconductive, metallic tapes. The tapes preferably are mechanically joined and electrically interconnected by a plurality of superconductive interconnections that extend between the tapes. The interconnections are formed by overlapping the edges of two tapes and forming a plurality of superconductive welds between the tapes in the overlapping regions. Articles of this invention may be formed from superconductive tapes made from Nb.sub.3 Sn having superconductive interconnections that also include Nb.sub.3 Sn.

Abstract: A superconductive article is made from interwoven superconductive, metallic tapes. The interwoven tapes are electrically interconnected by a plurality of superconductive interconnections that extend between the interwoven tapes. Articles of the invention may be formed from tapes comprising superconductive Nb.sub.3 Sn having Nb.sub.3 Sn interconnections.

Abstract: A conductor splice and splice support structure and method of assembly for use with cable-in-conduit superconductor cable of the type having a plurality of spaced sub-cables each including stabilizer and superconductor strands in an annular tube. Two transition ramp members, each having a cross section varying from a first end conforming to the cable configuration to a second end having an enlarged, oval, configuration have a plurality of surface grooves each sized to hold one sub-cable. Between the two transition ramp members is provided a main support member having grooves aligned with the transition members grooves. The main support member grooves are sized to hold two overlapping sub-cables. Preferably, a braid of superconductor material is placed around the overlapping sub-cable ends. The space within the grooves surrounding the sub-cables is preferably filled with solder.

Abstract: An electrical connection between first and second members of superconductive material, such as niobium, is made by coating each member with an indium-lead-tin alloy solder. Each member is coated by initially applying a layer of either an indium-lead alloy or indium to a surface of the member. Then the surface is mechanically worked to break up any oxide coating that is underneath the applied layer. Next a lead-tin alloy or tin is alloyed with the applied layer to form a resultant surface layer of a indium-lead-tin alloy. The first and second members are placed in contact with each other and their respective surface layers of the indium-lead-tin alloy are melted to produce a bond therebetween. A bond form by this method also is described.

Abstract: A superconducting magnet shield includes a plurality of overlapping NbTi sheets welded together with a plurality of welds extending along elongated parallel slots in the overlap region with the slots extending in the direction of superconducting current flow.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of joining Y-based oxide superconductors on joining two or more Y-based oxide superconductors made by melting process under pressure, characterized by incorporating REBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-.delta. (RE=Y, Ho, Er, Tm or Yb), Ag and BaCuO.sub.2 -CuO type composition to the joining interface as an adhesive phase for joining. It becomes possible to easily make a joined material that does not deteriorate the superconductive characteristic at joined interface.

Abstract: A method is described which increases the critical current of triniobium tin by bonding thermal contraction control layers to the triniobium tin superconducting articles at a process temperature to form a composite, and subsequently cooling the composite to a test temperature.

Abstract: A superconducting joint includes a niobium-tin superconducting composite member, a niobium-tin superconducting wire diffusion bonded to the superconducting composite, a spacer diffusion bonded to the superconducting wire, a support diffusion bonded to the spacer and a superconducting member in electrical contact with the superconducting composite. According to the method of the invention, a wire comprising unreacted niobium and tin is machined to form a tapered end having a first tapered surface exposing the wire interior and an opposing surface. A complementary spacer having the taper substantially similar to that of the wire is assembled with the wire so that the tapered wire and the tapered spacer in surface contact with one another such that the spacer occupies the area of the wire removed by machining and the exposed tapered surface remains still exposed.

Abstract: A method of connecting a high critical temperature superconductive ceramic part and a low critical temperature superconductor such as a multifilament strand of niobium-titanium, in which method a silver contact is prepared on said ceramic part, wherein said multifilament strand is soldered to said contact using an intermediate solder material whose melting temperature is less than 300.degree. C.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming long lengths of laminated superconducting tape by passing three foils over idler pulleys, through a solder bath and between pinch rollers having a portion which extend above the solder bath to enable cleaning of the pinch rollers during the formation of the superconducting tape with means to adjust the pressure applied by the pinch rollers, and to adjust the laminated tape takeup tension independently from the foil process tension.

Abstract: A superconducting joint includes a niobium-tin superconducting composite member, a niobium-tin superconducting wire diffusion bonded to the superconducting composite, a spacer diffusion bonded to the superconducting wire, a support diffusion bonded to the spacer and a superconducting member in electrical contact with the superconducting composite. According to the method of the invention, a wire comprising unreacted niobium and tin is machined to form a tapered end having a first tapered surface exposing the wire interior and an opposing surface. A complementary spacer having the taper substantially similar to that of the wire is assembled with the wire so that the tapered wire and the tapered spacer in surface contact with one another such that the spacer occupies the area of the wire removed by machining and the exposed tapered surface remains still exposed.

Abstract: A method of forming a long 100-inch low resistance lap joint suitable for joining magnet coils in a superconducting magnet assembly on the magnet drum, which is accomplished by forming a flat solder sandwich within a groove on the drum and moving a heat source along the lap joint with controlled temperature, pressure and rotational speed of the drum.

Abstract: This invention relates to a superconducting joint which is more commonly referred to as, a pigtail joint, for use in superconducting magnets. Such structures of this type, generally, exhibit total superconducting behavior at temperatures below the transition value of the superconducting joint and have high electrical resistance at temperatures above the transition point of the superconducting joint.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a superconductive joint in tape or wire has features which include a closeable vessel with gas inlets for depositing a superconducting layer by chemical vapor deposition, and a form in combination with current clamps and conductive leads to heat a length of tape to a temperature effective to deposit a superconductive coating thereon. Preferably, the form and associated structure are unitary with a base plate which seals the vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating superconducting tape splices is disclosed. In particular, a TIG welding torch is automatically traversed in front of two superconducting foils which are held in an overlapping relationship so that a weldment is created between the two foils and a splice is eventually created. The torch is automatically traversed by use of a stepper motor and a motor control which controls the direction of traverse and the traverse speed.

Abstract: Two Nb.sub.3 Sn superconducting tapes are overlapped by an amount equal to about two times the width of the superconducting tapes. A filler material of material substantially similar to the tapes is placed between the two tapes in the overlapped region. A NdYAG laser (4) sends a 20-40 watt beam focused by a lens that heats the tapes to create a bridge of superconductivity material formed over the region where the tapes are joined.

Abstract: Superconducting joints between superconducting tape ends are produced by a series of operations which includes stripping non-superconductive material from the tape ends, joining them with a conductive coating and depositing a superconductive alloy layer thereon, typically of triniobium tin, by a chemical vapor deposition reaction of hydrogen with the corresponding metal halides. Certain of the steps are performed in an inert atmosphere free from moisture, elemental hydrogen and elemental oxygen, typically a helium atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for joining ceramic superconductor fibers with a channel to fabricate a superconductor wire includes concertedly drawing the fibers and the channel together to feed the fibers into the channel. A flowable solder paste is continuously dispensed into the channel over the fibers. The combination of channel, fibers and solder paste is then subjected to a rapid rise in temperature which melts the solder. The molten solder is then frozen to encase the fibers in the solder and attach the solder to the channel to create a superconductor wire.

Abstract: A reliable superconducting contact for superconducting thin film components, based on soft superconducting materials, and a method for making the contacts. A wire blank is squeezed to a thin plate and then this plate is cut into slabs used in the bonding. The ends of the slabs are longitudinally cut so that double or multiple parallel joints can be made. The slabs have elastic, bent central portions for absorbing stresses and stiff ends having a U-beam shape joined to the components. The U-beam shape may be formed by the soldering tool used to make the joints. The ribbon-like character, thinness and other features of the bonding slab permit a precise control of the bonding temperature, reduce the strain and bending forces caused by thermal contraction, and prevent the contact from peeling off while cooling the superconducting component to the operational temperature.

Abstract: A method of bonding a superconductive ribbon lead to a superconductive bonding pad connected to superconducting circuitry. The thin ribbon is first coated with a fresh layer of the same material from which it is made and then a very thin layer of a noble metal is applied over that fresh layer. The bonding pad is also prepared with a very thin layer of the noble metal. Those coated surfaces are placed in facing contact and ultrasonically bonded.

Abstract: Superconducting tapes have an inner laminate comprised of a parent-metal layer selected from the group niobium, tantalum, technetium, and vanadium, a superconductive intermetallic compound layer on the parent-metal layer, and a reactive-metal layer that is capable of combining with the parent-metal and forming the superconductive intermetallic compound. A superconducting joint between contiguous tapes comprises, a continuous precipitate of the superconductive intermetallic compound fused to the tapes forming a continuous superconducting path between the tapes.

Abstract: A process for joining ceramic superconductor fibers with a channel to fabricate a superconductor wire includes feeding the fibers into the channel and continuously dispensing a flowable solder paste into the channel over the fibers. The combination of channel, fibers and solder paste is then subjected to a rapid rise in temperature which sequentially activates the flux in the solder paste and then melts the solder. After the workpiece is cooled and the separated flux has been removed, a superconductor wire has been fabricated.

Abstract: Superconducting tapes having an inner laminate comprised of a parent-metal layer, a superconductive alloy layer on the parent-metal, a reactive-metal layer, and an outer laminate soldered thereon are joined in a superconducting joint by the method of this invention. The outer laminate is removed to form exposed sections, and the tapes are positioned so that the exposed sections are in contact. A melt zone within the exposed sections where the exposed sections are in contact is melted. The melt zone is at least large enough to provide sufficient parent-metal, superconductive alloy, and reactive-metal to form a melt that resolidifies as a continuous precipitate of the superconductive alloy. The melt resolidifies as a continuous precipitate of the superconductive alloy that is continuous with the superconductive alloy on the superconducting tape.

Abstract: A method of bonding a superconductive ribbon lead to a superconducting bonding pad connected to superconducting circuitry. The thin ribbon is first coated with a fresh layer of the same material from which it is made and then a very thin layer of a noble metal is applied over that fresh layer. The bonding pad is also prepared with a very thin layer of the noble metal. Those coated surfaces are placed in facing contact and ultrasonically bonded.

Abstract: An inline splicing system for brittle conductors which is comprised of a superconductor core, a superconductor coil having a length of conductor wound upon it with a terminal end, a supply spool of compatible conductor having a terminal end, both conductors being in an abutting relationship for a prescribed length, a spacer located between a portion of the abutting length and the core, and a soldering means which creates a solder along the abutting length that conforms to the circular surface of the core.

Abstract: Superconducting tapes having an inner laminate comprised of a parent-metal layer, a superconductive alloy layer on the parent-metal, a reactive-metal layer, and an outer laminate soldered thereon are joined in a superconducting joint by the method of this invention. The outer laminate, reactive-metal layer, and superconductive alloy layer are removed to form exposed sections of the parent metal layer. The tapes are positioned so that the exposed sections are in contact. Metallurgical bonding, for example by spot welding, forms bridges between the parent-metal layers. The joined exposed sections are heated in a protective atmosphere, and in the presence of excess reactive metal to form a continuous layer of the superconductive alloy on the bridge and the exposed areas that is continuous with the superconductive alloy layer on the superconducting tape.

Abstract: A coating composition for ceramic fibers is provided which includes metal particles and a vehicle. The coating can be applied to a green ceramic or a sintered ceramic, and is co-sintered or sintered therewith. Such coatings are useful for coating high temperature superconducting ceramic fibers and can be co-sintered therewith. The coated superconducting fibers, in which case the coating is porous to allow for annealing to adjust the oxygen stoichiometry, can then be sandwiched between metal cladding layers to provide a multifilamentary electrical conductor including superconducting active components. The coating is useful for such conductors because it compatibilizes the ceramic fiber with metal components, such as a solder, as well as protecting the ceramic from possibly degrading reactions. The compositions are also generally advantageous in compatibilizing ceramic fibers with a metal matrix.

Abstract: The ends of a plurality of copper conductors bearing superconductive strands, for example of niobium-titanium, are treated with a liquid metal solvent to selectively remove the copper from the superconductive strands. The liberated strands of superconductor are then soldered with a superconducting solder. The joint is included in a coil which at superconducting temperatures induces a high magnetic field of 0.5 Tesla and above.

Abstract: Shock wave formation of thin layers of materials with improved superconducting and permanent magnetic properties and improved microstructures.The material fabrication system includes a sandwiched structure including a powder material placed between two solid members to enable explosive shock consolidation. The two solid members are precooled to about 80.degree.-100.degree. K. to reduce the residual temperatures attained as a result of the shock wave treatment, and thereby increase the quench rate of the consolidated powder.