Superconductivity

Superconductivity

1. It is a quantum mechanical phenomenon of exactly zero electrical resistance and expulsion of magnetic fields occurring in certain materials when cooled below a characteristic critical temperature.

2. It is characterized by the Meissner effect, the complete ejection of magnetic field lines from the interior of the superconductor as it transitions into the superconduting state

3. An electric current flowing through a loop of superconducting wire can persist indefinitely with no power source

4. Applications of superconductivity:

   • the production of sensitive magnetometers based on squids
   • fast digital circuits
   • powerful superconducting electromagnets used in maglev trains magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear magnetic resonance machines magnetic confinement fusion reactors and the beam-steering and focusing magnets used in particle accelerators
   • RF and microwave filters
   • fast fault current limiters
   • high sensitivity particle detectors
   • railgun and coilgun magnets
   • electric motors and generators