Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “High temperature superconductors”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2

Tendencies of enhanced electronic nematicity in the Hubbard model and a comparison with Raman scattering on high-temperature superconductors

The pseudogap regime of the cuprate high-temperature superconductors is characterized by a variety of competing orders, the nature of which are still widely debated. Recent experiments have provided evidence for electron nematic order, in which the electron fluid breaks rotational symmetry while preserving translational invariance. Raman spectroscopy, with its ability to symmetry resolve low energy excitations, is a unique tool that can be used to assess nematic fluctuations and nematic ordering tendencies. Here we compare results from determinant quantum Monte Carlo simulations of the Hubbard model to experimental results from Raman spectroscopy in La 2-x Sr x CuO 4 , which show a prominent increase in the B 1g response around 10% hole doping as the temperature decreases, indicative of a rise in nematic fluctuations at low energy. Finally, our results support a picture of nematic fluctuations with B 1g symmetry occurring in underdoped cuprates, which may arise from melted stripes at elevated temperatures.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Unveiling the Degradation Mechanism of High-Temperature Superconductor Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+δ in Water-Bearing Environments

We report the physical properties of copper oxide high-temperature superconductors have been studied extensively, such as its band structure, and doping effects of Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+δ (Bi-2212). However, some chemical-related properties of these superconductors are rarely reported, such as their stability in air. Here, we report experiments combined with ab initio calculations that address the effects of water in contact with Bi-2212. The evolution of Bi-2212 flake with exposure to water for different time intervals were tested and characterized by optical microscopy (OM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electrical measurements. The thickness of Bi-2212 flakes is gradually decreased in water, and some thin flakes can be completely etched away after a few days. The stability of Bi-2212 in other solvents is also evaluated, including alcohol, acetone, HCl and KOH. The morphology of Bi-2212 flakes is relatively stable in organic solvents. However, the flakes are etched relatively quick in HCl and KOH, especially in acidic environment. Our results imply that hydrogen ion is primarily responsible for the deterioration of their properties. Both TEM and calculation results demonstrate that the atoms in Bi-O plane is relatively stable when compared to the inner atoms in Sr-O, Ca-O and Cu-O planes. This work contributes towards understanding the chemical stability of Bi-2212 superconducting device in environmental medium, which is important for both fundamental studies and practical applications of copper oxide high-temperature superconductors.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

High temperature superconductor analog electronics for millimeter-wavelength communications

The performance of high temperature superconductor (HTS) passive microwave circuits up to X-band was encouraging when compared to their metallic counterparts. The extremely low surface resistance of HTS films up to about 10 GHz enables a reduction in loss by as much as 100 times compared to copper when both materials are kept at about 77 K. However, a superconductor's surface resistance varies in proportion to the frequency squared. Consequently, the potential benefit of HTS materials to millimeter-wave communications requires careful analysis. A simple ring resonator was used to evaluate microstrip losses at Ka-band. Additional promising components were investigated such as antennas and phase shifters. Prospects for HTS to favorable impact millimeter-wave communications systems are discussed.

Romanofsky, R. R.↗

High temperature superconductor analog electronics for millimeter-wavelength communications

The performance of high temperature superconductor (HTS) passive microwave circuits up to X-band was encouraging when compared to their metallic counterparts. The extremely low surface resistance of HTS films up to about 10 GHz enables a reduction in loss by as much as 100 times compared to copper when both materials are kept at about 77 K. However, a superconductor's surface resistance varies in proportion to the frequency squared. Consequently, the potential benefit of HTS materials to millimeter-wave communications requires careful analysis. A simple ring resonator was used to evaluate microstrip losses at Ka-band. Additional promising components were investigated such as antennas and phase shifters. Prospects for HTS to favorable impact millimeter-wave communications systems are discussed.

Romanofsky, R. R.↗

Critical currents and high-temperature superconductors

Experimental information on critical currents and epitaxial thin films of high temperature superconductors is summarized. Experiments performed to measure critical currents across single grain boundaries are described. A variety of mechanisms responsible for limiting currents in films as well as across grain boundaries are presented and their predictions compared with experimental data.

Chaudhari, P.↗

Chemical stability of high-temperature superconductors

A review of the available studies on the chemical stability of the high temperature superconductors (HTS) in various environments was made. The La(1.8)Ba(0.2)CuO4 HTS is unstable in the presence of H2O, CO2, and CO. The YBa2Cu3O(7-x) superconductor is highly susceptible to degradation in different environments, especially water. The La(2-x)Ba(x)CuO4 and Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O HTS are relatively less reactive than the YBa2Cu3O(7-x). Processing of YBa2Cu3O(7-x) HTS in purified oxygen, rather than in air, using high purity noncarbon containing starting materials is recommended. Exposure of this HTS to the ambient atmosphere should also be avoided at all stages during processing and storage. Devices and components made out of these oxide superconductors would have to be protected with an impermeable coating of a polymer, glass, or metal to avoid deterioration during use.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗

Surface Halogenation Of High-Temperature Superconductors

Surface halogenation experimental technique of postgrowth nonaqueous chemical processing of high-temperature superconductors. Research continues in use of technique to obtain superconducting and/or passivated surfaces, to etch bulk superconductors, and to make low-resistance electrical contacts. Most promising etchant is bromine dissolved in such polar nonaqueous solvents as alchols, acetone, or ether. Etchant appears to act only on surface without adversely affecting superconducting bulk of film.

Vasquez, Richard P.↗

Critical currents and high temperature superconductors

The experimental information on critical currents and epitaxial thin films of high temperature superconductors is summarized. Experiments carried out to measure critical currents across single grain boundaries are described. A variety of mechanisms responsible for limiting currents in films as well as across grain boundaries are presented and their predictions compared with experimental data.

Chaudhari, P.↗

Research On Bi-Based High-Temperature Superconductors

Brief report describes effects of melt sintering on Bi-based high-temperature superconductor system, as well as use of vibrating-sample magnetometer to determine hysteresis curves at 77 K for partially melt-sintered samples. Also discussed is production of high-temperature superconducting thin films by laser ablation: such films potentially useful in detection of signals of very low power.

Banks, Curtis↗

An active homopolar magnetic bearing with high temperature superconductor (HTS) coils and ferromagnetic cores

A proof-of-feasibility demonstration showed that high temperature superconductor (HTS) coils can be used in a high-load, active magnetic bearing in liquid nitrogen. A homopolar radial bearing with commercially wound HTS (Bi 2223) bias and control coils produced over 200 lb (890 N) radial load capacity (measured non-rotating) and supported a shaft to 14000 rpm. The goal was to show that HTS coils can operate stably with ferromagnetic cores in a feedback controlled system at a current density similar to that in Cu in liquid nitrogen. Design compromises permitted use of circular coils with rectangular cross section. Conductor improvements will eventually permit coil shape optimization, higher current density and higher bearing load capacity. The bias coil, wound with non-twisted, multifilament HTS conductor, required negligible power to carry its direct current. The control coils were wound with monofilament HTS sheathed in Ag. These dissipated negligible power for direct current (i.e. for steady radial load components). When an alternating current (AC) was added, the AC component dissipated power which increased rapidly with frequency and quadratically with AC amplitude. In fact at frequencies above about 2 hz, the effective resistance of the control coil conductor actually exceeds that of the silver which is in electrical parallel with the oxide superconductor. This is at least qualitatively understandable in the context of a Bean-type model of flux and current penetration into a Type II superconductor. Fortunately the dynamic currents required for bearing stability are of small amplitude. These results show that while twisted multifilament conductor is not needed for stable levitation, twisted multifilaments will be required to reduce control power for sizable dynamic loads, such as those due to unbalance.

Brown, G. V.↗

Alkaline Earth Core Level Photoemission Spectroscopy of High-Temperature Superconductors

This paper examines photoemission measurements of the alkaline Earth core levels of high-temperature superconductors and related materials, models that seek to explain the large negative shifts observed relative to the corresponding alkaline Earth metals, and the effect of lattice site disorder on the core level spectra and the presence or absence of intrinsic surface peaks.

superconductors Earth core photoemission↗

Substrates For High-Temperature Superconductors

Proposed hot-dipping process prepares materials well suited to serve as substrates for high-temperature superconductors. Makes it possible to produce substrates combining properties needed for given application, such as flexibility, strength, long grains, and <001> crystal orientation. Properties favor growth of superconductive films carrying high current and fabricated in variety of useful shapes. Used in making solar cells, described in "Hot-Dipped Metal Films as Epitaxial Substrates" (NPO-15904).

Shlichta, Paul J.↗

Progress and prospects for cuprate high temperature superconductors under pressure

Since the discovery of high temperature superconductivity in La 5–x Ba x Cu 5 O 5(3–y) at an unprecedented T c of 35K over 35 years ago, high pressure experiments have played a critical role in understanding cuprate superconductivity. Soon after its discovery, compression experiments on La 5–x Ba x Cu 5 O 5(3–y) revealed a large dT c /dP, motivating the study of ‘chemical pre-compression’ in the material that led to the 90K Superconductor YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7–y . Cuprate superconductors discovered subsequently exhibited a range of Tc from 30K-140K, including the commonly studied Bi, Tl, and Hg based families. Here, pressure has large effects on superconductivity in these materials, including raising T c in the Hg based cuprates from 140K to 164K at 30 GPa. Reviewing past experiments indicate that pressure dopes holes into the CuO 2 planes common to all cuprates. Further detailed high-pressure studies of these materials should deepen our understanding of cuprate superconductivity and the possibility of reaching still higher T c in cuprates.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

High Temperature Superconductor Josephson Weak Links

High T_c edge-geometry SNS microbridges have been fabricated using ion-damaged YBa_2Cu_3O_(7-x) (YBCO) and a nonsuperconducting phase of YBCO (N-YBCO) as normal metals. Optimization of the ion milling process used for YBCO edge formation and cleaning has resulted in ion-damage barrier devices which exhibit I-V characteristics consistent with the Resistively-Shunted-Junction (RSJ) model, with typical current densities (J_c) of approximately 5 x 10^6 A/cm^2 at 4.2 K. Characterization of N-YBCO films suggests that N-YBCO is the orthorhombic YBCO phase with oxygen disorder suppressing T_c...

Hunt, B. D.↗

Making High-Temperature Superconductors By Melt Sintering

Melt-sintering technique applied to YBa2Cu3O7-x system and to Bi/Ca/Sr/Cu-oxide system to produce highly oriented bulk high-temperature-superconductor materials extending to macroscopically usable dimensions. Processing requires relatively inexpensive and simple equipment. Because critical current two orders of magnitude greater in crystal ab plane than in crystal c direction, high degree of orientation greatly enhances critical current in these bulk materials, making them more suitable for many proposed applications.

Golben, John P.↗

High Temperature Superconductor Lead Assemblies for XRISM

The RESOLVE instrument on the upcoming XRISM mission is a rebuild of the SXS instrument that successfully demonstrated high resolution X-ray spectroscopy on the Hitomi mission using a microcalorimeter array at 50 mK. As with SXS, the RESOLVE instrument requires High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) lead assemblies to carry high current to the Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerator (ADR) while meeting a very stringent heat conductance budget. For the RESOLVE HTS lead assemblies, we have used new materials and processes to improve the stability and consistency of solder joints to the HTS material. We have also designed a new thermal strap that eliminates stress concentrations on the HTS tapes. We present the results of testing on the engineering model and flight model units, as well as the results of long term testing on prototype solder joints.

Canavan, Edgar R.↗

Quench protection for high-temperature superconductor cables using active control of current distribution

Superconducting magnets of future fusion reactors are expected to rely on composite high-temperature superconductor (HTS) cable conductors. In presently used HTS cables, current sharing between components is limited due to poorly defined contact resistances between superconducting tapes or by design. The interplay between contact and termination resistances is the defining factor for power dissipation in these cables and ultimately defines their safe operational margins. However, the current distribution between components along the composite conductor and inside its terminations is a priori unknown, and presently, no means are available to actively tune current flow distribution in real-time to improve margins of quench protection. Also, the lack of ability to electrically probe individual components makes it impossible to identify conductor damage locations within the cable. In this work, we address both problems by introducing active current control of current distribution between components using cryogenically operated metal-oxide-semiconductor-field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). We demonstrate through simulation and experiments how real-time current controls can help to drastically reduce heat dissipation in a developing hot spot in a two-conductor model system and help identify critical current degradation of individual cable components. Finally, prospects of other potential uses of MOSFET devices for improved voltage detection, AC loss-driven active quench protection, and remnant magnetization reduction in HTS magnets are also discussed.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗