The discovery of high-temperature superconducting materials in 1986 sparked a dream of an amazing new electrical world—a world of loss-free power transmission from coast to coast, of enormously powerful computers, and of levitated trains passing in a blur of speed.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is helping to make the dream of high-temperature (20 K up to 135 K) superconductivity a reality. Since 1988, our High Temperature Superconductivity Technology Center has blended materials research and wire development through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements with industry. CRADAs also offer opportunities for collaboration in development of power conductors, electrical devices, and technologies that support superconductors.

New Materials and Power Applications

Coil of superconducting wire.

There is still much progress to be made in the development of high-temperature superconducting cables and films. Cables must be able to carry lots of current with little energy loss; thin-film devices must be smaller and use less power in microwave filters and superconducting interconnects than conventional semiconductors. ORNL researchers have outstanding depth of experience in the fabrication and characterization of both cables and films. We can analyze and characterize properties-- mechanically, electrically, and microstructurally. In the process of developing super-conducting films and wires, we're working to improve their performance using new materials and processes.

For superconductors to move to market, they must be supported by appropriate technologies: cryogenics, refrigeration, and insulation. Early applications in electric utilities include energy-storing devices to help industries avoid dips in electric power, current limiters, and long transmission lines.

Superconducting Devices

Prototype magnets made from HTS wire are instrumented for stability measurements.

As superconducting materials are refined, developing devices that will use them becomes even more important. ORNL researchers are already exploring potential applications: Superlattices, artificially structured multilayers of thin film, developed here may find use in detectors. Coils for use in energy storage, motors, generators, and electric distribution equipment are being designed and tested.

ORNL offers its industrial partners experienced researchers supported by outstanding research facilities: the High Temperature Materials Lab, the Surface Modification and Characterization Collaborative Research Lab, a Shared Research Equipment Facility, and the High Flux Isotope Reactor, one of the world's most powerful research reactors.

In the coming decade, high temperature superconductors will revolutionize much of industry and technology. ORNL researchers are partnering with U.S. industry to hasten the revolution.

Working with ORNL in HTS R&D

There are many different ways to work with us in high-temperature superconductivity research, as outlined below.

Cost-shared Contracts

Generic agreements used frequently by the Lab, where R&D costs are shared

Cooperative R&D Agreements (CRADAs)

Similar to cost-shared agreements, but permit up to 5-year confidentiality of data

Exchange Programs

Exchange of staff with private companies or universities for technology transfer

Licensing

Of ORNL inventions and software

Pilot Center Agreements

Deal solely with superconductivity and permit up to 2-year confidentiality of data

User Facilities

Experimental facilities may be accessed by private companies and universities

Work for Others

Proprietary work done by the Laboratory where we have unique capabilities