Project Title:

High-Field, High-Tc Superconducting Magnets

04.17-1167
NAS1-19012
High-Field, High-Tc Superconducting Magnets
Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.
	44 Hunt Street
	Watertown, MA 02172
		Michael R. Squillante
(617-926-1167)

Abstract:

	The discovery of superconductivity at high temperatures (90K) in copper-containing
ceramics has resulted in the rapid acceleration of research directed toward producing
and examining new compounds both to improve performance characteristics and to understand
better the phenomenon. Realization of the potential commercial benefits of this new
discovery depends as much on advances in production technology as on materials research.
Many applications for high-Tc superconductors, including magnets, need large-area
films and tapes. However, many of the processes for making superconductors are limited
to expensive, small-scale, laboratory techniques. This project will investigate the
use of a proven, low-cost process--chemical spray pyrolysis--to deposit large-area
superconductor films. This innovative technique is versatile and should allow for
rapid improvements in the electrical, magnetic, and mechanical properties. This project
demonstrate the feasibility of depositing large-area, high-quality films of Tl2Ca2Ba2Cu3O10
superconductors using spray pyrolysis. This technique will be studied with the specific
goal of developing a high-field superconducting electromagnet.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications: A practical fabrication process for high-Tc superconductors
could enable usage for magnets, very-high-speed switching, microwave waveguides,
homopolar generators, EMI shielding, and hybrid superconductor/semiconductor devices.