Flux Pinning Research Articles

Comment on “Magnetic flux trapping in hydrogen-rich high-temperature superconductors” by V.S. Minkov, V. Ksenofontov, S.L. Bud’ko, E.F. Talantsev and M.I. Eremets, Nat. Phys. 19, 1293 (2023)

In the paper, Minkov et al. (2023), Eremets et al. present experimental results for flux creep measurements using H3S under high pressure in a diamond anvil cell, the pioneering material for the era of hydride superconductivity, with the aim of providing evidence that magnetic flux is trapped in H3S under high pressure and that persistent currents are circulating there. Initially, it was thought that the measurements started immediately after switching off the applied magnetic field, as indicated by the labeling of the horizontal axis of Fig. 4c of Ref. Minkov et al. (2023). However, it was revealed in private communications by Eremets et al. to the author and in a later paper by Bud’ko et al. (2024) [1] that there was a large delay time in starting the flux creep measurements. If that’s the case, the measurement period of 104 s or 105 s as shown in Fig. 4c is too short to draw any conclusions about flux creep, or even to determine whether flux creep was being measured.

Enhanced flux pinning properties of Ga2O3: YBCO nanocomposite superconductor

The effect of adding various concentrations (0.1 to 0.5 wt%) of Ga2O3 nanorods (NRs) on structural, electrical, magnetic, and flux pinning properties of the YBa2Cu O7-δ (YBCO) superconductor is studied. The critical current density (Jc) and flux pinning force (Fp) values are found enhance significantly, and the nanocomposite sample with x = 0.2 wt% shows the maximum enhancement among the samples under study. At 4 K, the maximum value of Jc (Jcmax) and Fp (Fpmax) for the 0.2 wt% sample are ∼ 2.87 and 3 times higher and at 65 K, these increments are ∼ 3.54 and 3.4 times, as compared to pure YBCO respectively. Moreover, the Jc value for the composite samples has a lower decay with increasing temperature than the pure YBCO samples. The enhanced superconducting properties of the xGa2O3: YBCO can be attributed to the lattice defects induced by Ga2O3 NRs, which act as effective pinning centers.

Critical current density improvement of RHQT Nb3Al superconducting wires by incorporating magnetic Dy2O3 nanoparticles as additional flux pinning centers

In this paper, we prepared magnetic Dy2O3 nanoparticles (n-Dy2O3) doped Nb3Al superconducting wires by rapid heating, quenching and transformation (RHQT) method, and investigated the micro-defects, superconducting properties and flux pinning mechanisms. TEM results showed high-density stacking faults (SF) with spacing of 5–25 nm located in Nb3Al (210) crystal planes, which is due to the absence of Nb atoms on the {100} crystal planes. Additionally, many intra-granular and inter-granular Dy2O3 nanoparticles with size of 4–40 nm were also observed in the Nb3Al superconducting phase. Jc was promoted in the doped samples, obtaining the best Jc of 1.95 × 105 A/cm2@ 4.2 K, 12 T in 1 at.% n-Dy2O3 doped Nb3Al wire, which was nearly 70 % higher than pristine Nb3Al wire. By doping n-Dy2O3, the fP(Fp/Fp,max)-h(B/Birr) peaks shift to larger h value (higher field). The flux pinning mechanism by fitting fP-h curves showed dominant surface pinning combined with point pinning, corresponding to the crystal defect of stacking faults and nanoparticles, respectively. The pinning mechanism verified that the nanoparticles acted as additional pinning centers to significantly elevate the Jc performance.

Understanding vortex dynamics in CaK(Fe,Ni)4As4 and Ba(Fe,Co)2As2 single crystals under the influence of random point disorder

Abstract We report on the influence of doping on vortex dynamics in 3 MeV proton-irradiated single crystals of CaK(Fe1−x Ni x )4As4 (1144, x = 0.015, 0.025, and 0.03) and Ba(Fe1−x Co x )2As2 (x = 0.04, 0.062, 0.066 and 0.074). Non-irradiated crystals of the 1144 system display superconducting critical temperatures ranging from 31 K for x = 0.015–20.5 K, as doping increases to 0.03. On the other hand, pristine crystals of the 122 system show Tc values between 14.6 and 23.6 K, with the maximum Tc occurring at intermediate doping levels. The fluence was set at 3 × 1016 p cm−2, resulting in a decrease in the Tc by around 1.5 K for all samples and significantly affecting the vortex dynamics by reducing the flux creep relaxation compared to previously reported values for unirradiated crystals. Parameters such as vortex pinning energy U 0 and the glassy exponent μ dependencies on doping and magnetic field strength are identified. For the 1144 system, U 0 reaches values approaching 500 K for small fields in samples with Tc = 29.3 K (x = 0.015), systematically decreasing to around 200 K as Tc falls below 20 K. Furthermore, U 0 decreases as the field increases to 3 T for the same sample, varying from approximately 250 K to 100 K as Tc decreases. These changes are typically accompanied by modifications in μ, gradually increasing from values around 1 towards 1.5, corresponding to small bundle relaxation in the collective creep theory. Despite differences in the substitutional disorder and magnetic phase diagram with respect to the 1144 system, the results for 122 single crystals follow a similar tendency in which U 0 usually reduces and μ increase rise as the applied magnetic field is increased. Due to moderate U 0 in these systems (few hundreds of kelvins), the resulting decay of persistent current at liquid helium temperatures is primarily determined by a balance between U 0 and bundle size contribution. These findings provide valuable insights for potential applications of these systems, particularly in the context of intrinsic superconducting parameters and the resulting pinning landscape.

Enhanced mechanical strength and texture of (Ba,K)Fe2As2 Cu/Ag composite sheathed tapes with Nb barrier layer

Abstract Iron-based superconductors with ultra-high upper critical fields and low anisotropy have attracted much attention for superconducting mechanisms and high-field applications. In practical applications, improving the mechanical strength and heat treatment temperature of superconducting tapes is of great significance for the improvement of transport current as well as stability. In this paper, (Ba, K)Fe2As2(Ba-122) superconducting tapes with Cu/Nb/Ag composite sheaths were successfully fabricated using a pre-composite process, which provides a feasible method for the fabrication of high-strength superconducting wires and tapes. It is shown that Cu/Nb/Ag composite sheathed tapes can be sintered at 880 °C, and tapes sintered at 880 °C have the highest transport properties as well as excellent superconductivity of the superconducting cores, as demonstrated by a series of characterizations. In addition, other superconducting properties of the tapes sintered at 880 °C, including grain orientation, flux pinning, upper critical field and irreversible field, were also studied. It was found that none of the three sheaths fractured after sintering and the superconducting core had a high c-axis texture and densities. The high mechanical strength of the Cu/Nb/Ag composite sheathed tape was also demonstrated by comparative tensile experiments. The results indicate that the low-cost Ba-122 tapes with Cu/Nb/Ag composite sheaths hold great promise for future practical applications.

A full-bridge flux pump using two switches: numerical model and experimental prototype

Abstract High-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets are promising in high field applications. However, due to inevitable joint resistance and flux creep, HTS magnets still face challenges in maintaining field stability in their closed-loop operation. HTS flux pumps can charge closed HTS magnets wirelessly, thus allowing lower cryogenic loading and more flexible arrangements in HTS magnet systems. In this work, a full-bridge flux pump using two AC field-controlled switches is proposed, which can charge HTS magnets during whole cycles. Therefore, the charging speed of the proposed full-bridge flux pump is at least one time larger than half-bridge flux pumps. A numerical model and an experimental prototype are developed to verify the working principle of the proposed full-bridge flux pump. Simulation and experimental tests are carried out to investigate the working characteristics of the proposed flux pump. The proposed flux pump has huge potential in the application scenarios where high charging speed is required.

Maximizing flux pinning in YBCO coated conductor films for high-field applications

Our study explores the relationship between BZO nanorod density and magnetic flux pinning in YBCO thin films on coated conductor templates. We identified an optimal BZO doping level of 8%–10%, which maximizes flux pinning and enables the highest critical current densities to be achieved across various temperatures and magnetic field ranges, especially in new types of multilayer structures. Additionally, the formation of a c-axis peak in the angular-dependent critical current curves at high BZO concentrations underscores the significance of collective pinning mechanisms. These results are discussed using a simple pinning model that considers the effects of nanorod spacing and fragmentation. Overall, our findings contribute to the development of high-performance coated conductor layer structures for future power applications, where maximizing flux pinning is essential.

Vibration separation method for permanent magnet guideway irregularity measurement

High-temperature superconducting (HTS) pinning maglev has the potential to achieve high operational speed while having a low maintenance cost, attracting a lot of attention. The HTS pinning maglev system realizes the levitation of the vehicle through the flux pinning characteristics between the high-temperature superconducting bulk and the magnetic field of the permanent magnet guideway (PMG). Thus, the profile of the magnetic field of the PMG can significantly affect the levitation status of the vehicle, which makes the PMG irregularity become one of the main excitation sources of the system. The magnetic induction intensity on the surface of the PMG can be used to characterize the PMG irregularity, but the non-contact dynamic measurement may produce large errors by the vibration of the measurement system during the process. In order to evaluate the PMG irregularity, the vibration component needs to be separated from the overall signal. In this paper, through the synchronous measurement of the Hall sensor and accelerometer, the vibration separation method of the PMG irregularity measurement is simplified to the optimal filter estimation. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to calculate the parameters of the optimal filter based on the correlation coefficient criterion. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by the test. The separated signal is more accurate in both time domain and frequency domain for the characterization of PMG irregularity.

The flux pinning effect of different doping element combinations on metal-organic deposition-derived YBa2Cu3O7−δ nanocomposite films

Elemental doping has been proven effective in improving the flux pinning of yttrium barium copper oxide (YBa2Cu3O7−δ, YBCO) nanocomposite thin films. In the present work, we increased the number of doping elements to five to investigate the flux pinning effect of YBCO. The Zr-doped, Zr, Hf and Sn co-doped, Zr, Hf, Sn and Ta co-doped, and Zr, Hf, Sn, Ta and Mn co-doped YBCO films deposited on LaMnO3/MgO/Y2O3/Al2O3/ Hastelloy substrate were systematically studied. The samples were prepared by low-fluorine metal-organic deposition method, with a total dopant of 8 mol%. All films exhibit good c-axis growth and the multi-doping helps refining the surface particles, resulting in a smoother surface. The in-field properties of the films increase with the increase of co-doped element numbers, especially at a low temperature of 30 K. The pinning force density (Fp) and critical current density (Jc) are significantly improved by five-element Zr, Hf, Sn, Ta and Mn co-doped, which is about 3 times and 1.6 times higher, respectively, than that of the undoped film at 30 K and 1 T.

Investigation of Gamma-Induced Changes to Screening Currents and AC Losses in Mono- Versus Multi-filamentary REBCO Coated Conductors Using DC and AC Magnetometry

REBCO (rare-earth barium copper oxide) coated conductor tapes are a highly attractive option for magnet materials in future tokamak fusion power plants. However, the threat of intense neutron and gamma radiation, together with AC losses during magnet coil ramping, has raised concerns around magnet coil lifetimes. Irradiation-induced changes to flux creep rate has been identified as a key performance-limiting factor in REBCO tapes at low temperatures and high fields post-irradiation with gamma rays; spontaneous flux creep contributes to hysteretic AC loss in REBCO cables under applied AC fields. Knowing that multi-filamentary tapes are under consideration for tokamaks as an AC loss mitigation, magnetic measurements and gamma irradiation experiments are presented here on striated and mono-filamentary YBCO tapes to investigate the differences in post-irradiation screening currents and AC losses. Reduction in AC losses improved magnetisation critical current density (Jc) retention after 1 MGy in the multi- relative to the mono-filamentary samples. After the 5 MGy dose, striations then made the multi-filamentary tape more susceptible to Jc degradation because of the thinner individual filament width. Scanning transmission electron microscopy analysis on an analogous GdYBCO mono-filamentary tape did not indicate the introduction of nm-scale amorphisation to the active GdYBCO layer after gamma irradiation. A potential theoretical explanation for the underlying mechanism altering the flux-pinning landscape across the REBCO layer surface in gamma-irradiated tapes is discussed. This work concluded that gamma effects on screening current capability should be considered in future tokamak REBCO tape qualification studies.

Vortex phase diagram and transition in (Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10-δ)1-x(SnO2)x superconductors

The superconducting vortex phase diagram of (Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10-δ)1-x(SnO2)x ceramics, where x = 0, 0.002, 0.004, 0.006, 0.008, and 0.010, was investigated using resistivity measurement under magnetic fields. If the value of the offset critical temperature (Tc,offset) monotonously decreased on the SnO2-added samples, then the mean-field critical temperature (Tmf) would slightly improve on the x = 0.002 sample. The excess conductivity of all samples was analyzed based on the Aslamazov–Larkin and Lawrence–Doniach models. The c-axis coherence length at 0 K (ξc(0)) and the interlayer coupling strength were optimized on the x = 0.002 sample. The activation energy (U0) calculated using the Arrhenius model was also increased, and the maximum for the x = 0.002 sample was reached. The upper critical field (Bc2) deduced using the Werthamer–Helfand–Hohenberg model was also enhanced for the x = 0.002 sample. The small bundle field (Bsb), large bundle field (Blb), irreversibility field (Birr), and Bc2 were combined for the vortex phase (B-T) diagram of the x = 0.000 and x = 0.002 samples. All pinning regimes of the x = 0.002 sample were extended, clearly revealing the improvements in the flux pinning properties in that sample.

The influence of Sm[formula omitted]O[formula omitted] nanoparticles adding on some superconducting properties of Bi[formula omitted]Pb[formula omitted]Sr[formula omitted]Ca[formula omitted]Cu[formula omitted]O[formula omitted] ceramics

High-Temperature Superconductors Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ samples doped with Sm2O3 nanoparticles in different quantities (0.00, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06), were synthesised. Solid state feedback technique was used to prepare the samples and then characterised. The morphology and structure of the specimens were deployed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) examination. The spectroscopy of the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) experiment was utilised to obtain the elemental composition of the samples. Resistivity versus temperature measurement in DC mode was employed to estimate the critical transition temperature of each sample. XRD with the Rietveld refinement process revealed that Bi2223 and Bi2212 stages exist mutually in specimens with orthorhombic crystal systems. The lowest percentage of volume fraction associated with the Bi2223 phase belonged to the sample with x=0.06 nanoparticle samarium doped. It was detected that with rising samarium content the volume division of the Bi2223 phase decreases but the Bi2212 stage increases compared with the pristine specimen. SEM showed that the shrinkage of grain size occurs when the amount of nano-sized Sm was added to x=0.02 sample with lower inter-coupling among superconducting granules. This effect might be verified by SEM and TEM images. EDX exhibited some peaks related to Sm and other elements of the Bi2223 structure. These patterns confirm that all elements associated with the compounds were introduced into the Bi2223 matrix. The critical temperatures such as Tconset, TcPeak and Tczero decreased for Sm doped samples compared with the pure sample. Adding Sm2O3 nanoparticles causes rising calculated density and hole carrier concentration. These outcomes can be interpreted as the allocation of additional positive charges to the CuO2 planes. It is worth mentioning that the superb properties such as high-Tc, high Jc, strong flux pinning, and good thermal stability, for Bi2223 and high breakdown electric field, high dielectric constant, and large bandgap for Sm2O3 are the issues to motivate the author to dope Bi2223 with Sm2O3 NPs. In brief, the electrical, mechanical and structural properties of Sm2O3 NPs doped Bi2223 play the main role in the applications, which drive the investigations to emphasise the synthesis of superconducting samples.

Changing of the excess conductivity near the irreversibility temperature of the top seeded YBa2Cu3O7−x

A top seeded YBa2Cu3O7-x (YBCO) superconductor was grown using a bulk Nd123 seed crystal. Orientation peaks directed in the c-axis were observed from the X-ray diffraction measurement for the Y123 sample, indicating single crystal behavior. Magneto-resistivity measurements were carried out as a function of temperature under applied magnetic fields up to 4 T. The superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of the sample was obtained to be approximately 93 K and the excess conductivity curve was obtained experimentally from the resistivity measurement at zero magnetic field. The critical exponents were found to be λsfw = 2.26 ± 0.25, λ3D = 0.47 ± 0.03 and λ2D = 0.82 ± 0.07 for the short wave fluctuation (SWF) region and the mean field region characterized by 3D and 2D fluctuations, respectively. The crossover temperature determined from the crossover from 2D to 3D regime was found to be 96.37 K. The irreversible temperatures determined from the magneto-resistivity measurements and the irreversibility field line of the sample was obtained using the giant flux creep (gfc) model. The sample exhibits a behavior consistent with the gfc and the vortex glass model according to the n parameter calculated from the resistivity temperature measurements. The width enlarges with the applied magnetic field and was found to be approximately 4 K at 4 T for the Y123 sample. The sample was in the 3D regime below 96.37 K, while the sample was in the 2D regime between 96.37 K and 101.35 K. On the other hand, the reversible region was confined between 93.95 K and 93.33 K at 0 T. It was observed that 3D fluctuations are dominant in the reversible region, whereas 2D fluctuations are dominant in the irreversible region.

Flux pinning dynamics in optimally proton irradiated REBCO coated conductors

Particle irradiation offers a route to incorporating additional flux pinning centres in high-temperature superconducting wires with minimal disruption to the pre-existing defect landscape, thereby further enhancing the critical current in a controllable fashion. This work is a comprehensive study of the fluence-dependence of proton irradiation using protons of two energies, 2.5 and 1.2 MeV, in enhancing the critical current performance in commercially available (Y,Dy)Ba2Cu3O7−δ coated conductors. A sequence of fluences covering the range from 1 × 1015 to 5 × 1016 protons cm−2 was used in the irradiation process to study the flux pinning in this material. The resulting samples were characterized using field angle-dependent transport critical current measurements over a range of temperatures from 20 K to 77.5 K and magnetic fields up to 8 T, thus covering the wide range of operating conditions. Optimisation of fluence for highest performance at each energy resulted in a similar level of isotropic critical current enhancement, a factor 2.6 improvement at 20 K and 8 T, but with a significant difference in the optimised fluence in each case. The lower energy 1.2 MeV protons produce this enhancement at a three-fold lower fluence compared to 2.5 MeV protons, a result of their higher electronic energy loss. The different samples are analysed within the framework of the maximum entropy model, helping to understand the vortex dynamics before and after irradiation.

Synthesis and characterization of BaIrO3-doped YBCO superconducting thin films via TFA-MOD technique

High-temperature superconducting materials (HTS) are characterized by remarkably high critical current density (Jc) values when exposed to low temperatures and magnetic fields. In the realm of such investigations, various crystalline imperfections, including finely dispersed non-superconducting phases, dislocations, vacancies, grain boundaries, twin boundaries, antiphase boundaries, and insulating regions within grain boundaries, have been recognized as potential sources of pinning centers. However, it is essential to acknowledge that Jc values experience a rapid decline as the temperature rises in the presence of a magnetic field. The primary contributing factors to this decline are attributed to the intrinsic crystalline anisotropy of HTS materials and the thermal fluctuations that prevail at elevated temperatures. Nevertheless, a noteworthy factor in the diminishment of Jc values is the scarcity of efficacious pinning centers. In response to these challenges, a pioneering technology has emerged, revolving around nanostructure engineering for the deliberate creation of artificial pinning centers within HTS materials. In alignment with this approach, the present study endeavors to augment the critical current density and enhance the flux pinning properties of YBa2Cu3O6.56 (YBCO) superconducting films. This augmentation is achieved through the integration of BaIrO3 (BIO) perovskite nanodots, nanorods, or nanoparticles as strategically positioned pinning centers. The films are deposited on a SrTiO3 (STO) substrate employing the Trifluoroacetate Metal–Organic Deposition (TFA-MOD) technique. This research initiative seeks to contribute to the advancement of knowledge regarding the controlled manipulation of artificial pinning centers in HTS materials, particularly focusing on YBCO thin films, with the ultimate goal of enhancing their performance under the influence of elevated magnetic fields.

Effect of local and global screening current on the current decay in closed-loop HTS coils

High-temperature superconducting (HTS) coils are generally operated in a closed-loop persistent current mode, which is crucial for ensuring long-term stability and minimizing heat generation in various applications. However, factors such as joint resistance, flux creep, and losses due to external fields can lead to accelerated decay of the coil’s current, making it challenging to achieve an effective persistent current mode. To gain insight into the current decay characteristics of HTS coils, we built a finite element method based model coupled with a lumped parameter electric circuit model. The model is initially verified against the experiment of an inductive magnetized HTS coil subject to a magnetic field perpendicular to the tape surface. The results indicate that the proposed model is highly effective in predicting the current decay behavior of this magnetized HTS coil and is able to provide high accuracy. With the help of this model, we have experimentally and numerically studied the behavior of a current-carrying closed-loop HTS coil subject to external alternating fields. The HTS coil is charged by a DC power supply and then shorted using a thermally-controlled persistent current switch. The current decay behavior of the HTS coil is examined under various scenarios. The simulation results show excellent agreement with experimental data, further validating the effectiveness and versatility of the modeling strategy. The influence of both local and global screening currents on the current decay performance of the closed-loop HTS coils has been investigated. For every case examined, rapid demagnetization occurred in the initial cycle of the applied alternating field. Furthermore, the current decay rate demonstrated a slight dependence on the frequency of the applied fields. Additionally, the resulting resistance has been thoroughly characterized. These insights contribute to the knowledge of the behavior and performance of closed-loop HTS coils, facilitating their practical application.

The Influence of Electroluminescent Inhomogeneous Phase Addition on Enhancing MgB2 Superconducting Performance and Magnetic Flux Pinning.

As a highly regarded superconducting material with a concise layered structure, MgB2 has attracted significant scientific attention and holds vast potential for applications. However, its limited current-carrying capacity under high magnetic fields has greatly hindered its practical use. To address this issue, we have enhanced the superconducting performance of MgB2 by incorporating inhomogeneous phase nanostructures of p-n junctions with electroluminescent properties. Through temperature-dependent measurements of magnetization, electronic specific heat, and Hall coefficient under various magnetic fields, we have confirmed the crucial role of inhomogeneous phase electroluminescent nanostructures in improving the properties of MgB2. Experimental results demonstrate that the introduction of electroluminescent inhomogeneous phases effectively enhances the superconducting performance of MgB2. Moreover, by controlling the size of the electroluminescent inhomogeneous phases and optimizing grain connectivity, density, and microstructural uniformity, we can further improve the critical temperature (TC) and flux-pinning capability of MgB2 superconducting materials. Comprehensive studies on the physical properties of MgB2 superconducting structures added with p-n junction electroluminescent inhomogeneous phases also confirm the general effectiveness of electroluminescent inhomogeneous phases in enhancing the performance of superconducting materials.

Excess conductivity and magnetoresistance analysis for (BSF)x/(Bi, Pb)-2223 composite

This study examined the impact of adding hard ferrite Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe12O19 (BSF) nanoparticles to the Bi1.8Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3.2O10+δ (Bi, Pb)-2223) superconductor phase. The investigation specifically focused on evaluating the critical current density, fluctuation-induced conductivity, and magnetoresistance of nano-(BSF)x/(Bi, Pb)-2223 composite, where 0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.20 wt.%. The results revealed that the critical current density, Jc, increased with the addition of nano-(BSF) up to x = 0.04 wt.%, reaching a value of 441.20 A/cm2. The Aslamazov and Larkin (A–L) approach has been evaluated the fluctuation-induced conductivity. Several superconducting parameters, including coherence length ζc(0), effective layer thickness d, penetration depth λpd(0), and Fermi energy EF\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${E}_{F}$$\\end{document} showed improvement as the concentration of nano-(BSF) increased up to x = 0.04 wt.%. In addition to Ginzburg–Landau critical parameters, such as the thermodynamic critical field Bc(0), lower critical magnetic field Bc1(0), upper critical magnetic field Bc2(0), and critical current density Jc(0) demonstrated an increase up to x = 0.04 wt.%, followed by a decrease for higher concentrations. The magnetoresistance measurements were performed at various applied DC magnetic fields, with values ranging from 0.29 to 4.44 kG, and were analyzed using the thermally activated flux creep (TAFC) and Ambegaokar–Halperin (AH) models. The calculated flux pinning energy (U) increased with the addition of nano-(BSF) up to x = 0.04 wt.% and then decreased for x > 0.04 wt.%. Furthermore, the transition width (ΔT), was observed to increase as the applied magnetic field values increased. Moreover, the addition of nano-(BSF) increased the field-independent critical current density, Jc,0(0), up to x = 0.04 wt.%, after which it decreased for higher concentrations.

Towards high-field applications: high-performance, low-cost iron-based superconductors.

High magnetic fields play a crucial role in advancing basic sciences, fusion energy, and magnetic resonance imaging systems. However, the widespread use of high-field magnets requires affordable high-temperature superconducting wires that can carry large supercurrents. Iron-based superconductors offer an economically attractive solution to push forward important yet costly scientific programs, such as nuclear fusion reactors and next-generation particle accelerators. In this review, we start with the fabrication of iron-based superconducting wires and tapes and continue to discuss several key factors governing the current transport properties. State-of-the-art wires and tapes are introduced with emphasis on grain boundary characteristics, flux pinning, and anisotropy. The architecture of flexible conductors enables low cost, high mechanical strength, and high thermal stability. Recent progress in practical applications, including superconducting joints and insert coils, is also reviewed. Finally, we propose several key questions faced by iron-based superconductors in future practical applications.

Effect of nano-Ag addition on the superconducting properties of MWCNT doped magnesium diboride superconductor

Bulk MgB2 superconductor added with nano silver (Ag), multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and both the added (i.e., nano-Ag and MWCNT) samples were synthesized. The influence of nano-Ag and MWCNT addition on the structural and superconducting properties were studied. The XRD analysis confirms the formation of hexagonal MgB2 superconductor. Microstructural studies of all the synthesized samples are carried out by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The superconducting properties such as critical temperature (Tc), magnetic critical current density (Jc), irreversibility field (Birr) and flux pinning properties of all the synthesized samples were investigated at 10 K and field up to 7 T. Nano Ag added MWCNT doped MgB2 shows maximum enhancement in the critical current density i.e., 5.83 × 104 A/cm2 at 5 T and 10 K.