High current conductors and high field magnets using anisotropic superconductors

Abstract

Improved conductors and superconducting magnets are described utilizing superconducting materials exhibiting critical field anisotropy. This anisotropy is one in which the ability of the superconductor to stay in a superconducting state depends on the orientation of a magnetic field applied to the superconductor with respect to the direction of current flow in the superconductor. This anisotropy is utilized in the design of conductors and magnet windings comprising the superconductive material and specifically is directed to magnet windings in which the direction of high critical current through the superconductor is parallel to the magnetic field produced by current in these windings in order to obtain high critical fields. Particularly favorable examples of a superconducting material are the so-called high T superconductors in which the primary supercurrent flow is confined to 2 dimensional Cu—O planes. By arranging the superconductive windings so that the Cu—O planes are substantially parallel to the magnetic field produced by current in these windings, the windings will be able to withstand high fields without being driven normal. This maximizes the magnetic field amplitudes that can be produced by the magnet.