High temperature superconducting (HTS) materials are rapidly approaching expected performance levels in both film and bulk forms. This project addresses the development of two techniques for forming oriented, high-pinning crystal alignments using material produced by the firm's pinning-phase-purification (3-P) technique. The technique starts with melt texture growth generated powder, which is subsequently magnetically pinning-site refined to provide phase-pure, clean grain boundary bulk materials. 3-P powder is non-reactive and permits the use of binders to assist in the forming process. Unlike previous attempts at magnetic field forming using shake and bake' powders, this technique will combine low-temperature forming and high- pinning powder with an LN2/alcohol slush binder in a steel die. The die will be placed in a magnetic field to create preferred orientation grains that will then be hydraulically compacted. The firm will also adapt its ceramic-fiber spinning technique to form continuous HTS multi-filaments, under 10 microns in size, and with mechanically aligned crystals (from extrusion through a fine spinerrette) along the 'c' axes. Phase I will develop and evaluate HTS materials in rudimentary bulk and fiber form. Phase II will test and deliver functional levitation stages, wound HTS fiber coils, high Rs cavities, and application-oriented, transport-current leads .
Potential Commercial Applications:Markets for HTS materials are expected to materialize in 3-5 years. The largest market will be for materials in bulk form and in wire (fiber) form.
