Emerging Superconductors from Magnetic Materials: Implications and Prospective Uses
In the realm of scientific discovery, the development and application of superconducting materials are making significant strides, promising to revolutionise various sectors, including high-speed transportation, medical devices, and energy storage.
One of the most promising superconductors is Rare-Earth Barium Copper Oxide (RBa2Cu3O7-x), which boasts the highest critical temperature (Tc) among known superconductors, reaching up to 138 K (-135°C). Recent advancements in REBCO have led to significant improvements in high current capacity and mechanical stability, making it suitable for ultra-powerful magnets such as those used in high-field magnet technology and superconducting coils. Notably, testing of REBCO tapes under cyclic loading demonstrated resilience at low temperatures (4.2 K), a critical property for applications in superconducting magnets used in MRI machines and potentially in magnetic levitation (maglev) transportation systems, which require strong, stable magnetic fields.
Iron selenide (FeSe), another superconductor, has garnered intense research interest due to its multigap superconductivity properties. This characteristic, coupled with its potential to enhance the critical temperature and superconducting properties under pressure, is essential for developing efficient cryogenic systems in transportation and medical technologies where controlling temperature and energy loss is crucial. Studies using scanning tunneling microscopy on iron-based superconductors provide insights into nanoscale superconducting behaviours relevant for device miniaturisation and enhanced performance.
Graphene-based superconductors, recognised for their exceptional electron mobility and tunable superconductivity through doping or proximity effects, hold potential for next-generation high-speed electronics, medical sensor devices, and energy-efficient energy storage. While specific recent experimental details were not found in the current results, these materials are widely acknowledged for their promise in these areas, thanks to their high surface area and conductivity.
In summary, REBCO is advancing superconducting magnet technology for medical MRI and high-speed magnetic levitation transport via improved tape resilience and high current capability. Iron selenide’s multigap superconductivity and nanoscale control promise enhanced superconducting properties useful in transport and medical device cooling systems, plus energy-efficient designs. Graphene-based superconductors, with their tunability and electron mobility, are promising for next-generation high-speed electronics, medical sensors, and advanced energy storage.
These advancements position these materials as cornerstone technologies for future high-speed transportation (maglev trains, superconducting cables), medical devices (MRI magnets, sensors), and energy storage systems requiring minimal energy loss and high efficiency. Continued research, especially into nanofabrication techniques and multigap superconductivity, is critical to transitioning these materials from experimental stages to commercial and industrial applications.
Superconductors, materials that can conduct electricity with zero resistance, are indeed valuable for various applications. They could enable the creation of high-speed transportation systems, such as magnetic levitation trains, that are faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly. Moreover, superconducting materials are being explored for use in medical devices, such as MRI machines and implantable devices, which could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes. With ongoing research and development, the future of these groundbreaking materials promises to be nothing short of transformative.
The advancements in REBCO and its resilience at low temperatures make it a promising material for superconducting magnets used in MRI machines and potentially in magnetic levitation transportation systems, where controlling temperature and energy loss is crucial.
Iron selenide's multigap superconductivity properties and potential to enhance critical temperature and superconducting properties under pressure could be essential for developing efficient cryogenic systems in transportation and medical technologies where minimizing energy loss is vital.
