Superconductivity

Superconductivity is a phenomenon occurring in certain materials at low temperatures, characterised by the complete absence of electrical resistance and the damping of the interior magnetic field (the Meissner effect.) Superconductivity is a quantum-mechanical phenomenon that is different from perfect conductivity.

Technological applications of superconductivity

There have been many technological innovations based on superconductivity. Superconductors are used to make the most powerful electromagnets known to man, including those used in MRI machines and the beam-steering magnets used in particle accelerators. They are also used to make SQUIDs (superconducting quantum interference devices), the most sensitive magnetometers known.

Related Topics:
Electromagnet - MRI - Particle accelerator - SQUID - Magnetometer

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Superconductors have also been used to make digital circuits (e.g. based on the Rapid Single Flux Quantum technology) and microwave filters for mobile phone base stations.

Related Topics:
Digital circuit - Rapid Single Flux Quantum - Microwave - Mobile phone

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Many promising applications of superconductivity have been stalled by the impracticality of maintaining large systems (e.g. long stretches of cable) at cryogenic temperatures. These problems may soon be alleviated with the continued development of high temperature superconductors, as these can be cooled by using liquid nitrogen rather than liquid helium (which is much more expensive and difficult to handle) or by using cryocoolers. However, the currently known high-temperature superconductors are brittle ceramics which are not easily turned into wires or other useful shapes. Promising future applications include high-performance transformers, power storage devices, electric power transmission, electric motors (e.g. for vehicle propulsion), magnetic levitation devices, and Fault Current Controllers.

Related Topics:
Cryocooler - Transformer - Power storage devices - Electric power transmission - Electric motor - Magnetic levitation device - Fault Current Controllers

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