Chiral Materials and Unconventional Superconductivity Group

Third generation (3G) wire development

We are working on a new concept for the design and fabrication of third generation, 3G, coated superconductors. The design is based on 3D epitaxy of thick, strained, YBCO layers. The design retains the positive features of 2G tapes, such as use of inexpensive, non-toxic elements and operation at liquid nitrogen temperatures, but offers potentially greater superconducting critical current and improved conductor aspect ratio. The design also promises much lower fabrication costs due to elimination of the need for heteroepitaxial oxide buffers and a biaxially textured substrate.