In the almost two decades since R&D began on high-temperature superconductors, much progress has been made, as is illustrated by a timeline created by the Department of Energy.

• Timeline of progress in HTS R&D [3.3 MB PDF]
  

Coil of superconducting wire. Click on the photo for a larger image (54 KB).

New Materials

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.

New Power Applications

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.

New Devices

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.

Prototype magnets made from HTS wire are instrumented for stability measurements. Click on the photo for a larger image (53 KB).