Superconducting Layer Lattice Matching and Orientation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current superconductors face challenges in achieving high critical current density, particularly in applications like power transmission cables and MRI devices, due to limitations in lattice matching and orientation properties of the superconducting layers.
Innovation Solution
A superconductor design featuring a base member with a superconducting layer of REA1-xREBxBa2Cu3O7-z, where the lattice constant of the base member matches that of the superconducting layer, and a specific surface-side region with controlled orientation properties, enhancing the critical current density through precise composition and heat treatment processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a superconducting layer is formed on a base member with conventional lattice matching, then the superconducting layer can be manufactured, but the critical current density remains insufficient for high-performance applications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the lattice constant parameter of the base member to precisely match the superconducting layer's lattice constant. By adjusting the base member's lattice constant to within ±0.05 Å of the superconducting layer's lattice constant, the patent achieves improved lattice matching that enables high critical current density while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a specific surface-side region within the superconducting layer that extends 2 μm from the surface. This region has different orientation properties than the bulk material, with the c-axis orientation angle controlled to be within ±5 degrees of perpendicular to the surface. This local quality differentiation optimizes current flow properties at the critical surface region where current enters and exits the superconductor
2Reliability
If the superconducting layer thickness is increased to carry more current, then the total current capacity improves, but the orientation property and critical current density decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention differentiates the superconducting layer into a surface-side region (extending 2 μm from the surface) with optimized orientation properties and a bulk region with different characteristics. The surface-side region maintains c-axis orientation within ±5 degrees of perpendicular, which is critical for high current density, while the bulk region can have greater thickness for overall current capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary orientation control during the formation of the surface-side region, establishing the c-axis orientation within ±5 degrees of perpendicular before the bulk layer is fully formed. This preliminary action ensures that the critical current entry/exit regions have optimal orientation properties, which cannot be achieved if orientation is only controlled after complete layer formation
3Reliability
If the orientation property of the superconducting layer is optimized, then the critical current density increases, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention establishes specific parameter ranges for the surface-side region: c-axis orientation angle within ±5 degrees of perpendicular to the surface, and region length of 2 μm from the surface. These quantified parameters provide clear manufacturing targets that simplify process control while achieving the desired high critical current density
Solution Approach 2:
The invention focuses orientation control efforts specifically on the surface-side region (2 μm depth) rather than attempting to control the entire superconducting layer thickness. This partial action approach concentrates manufacturing resources on the critical region where current enters and exits, achieving high critical current density without the excessive complexity of controlling the entire layer
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively increases the critical current density of the superconductor, improving its performance in applications such as power transmission and MRI devices by optimizing the lattice matching and orientation of the superconducting layer.
Implementation Method 1
a superconducting layer provided on the base member... The superconducting layer includes REA1-xREBxBa2Cu3O7-z
Implementation Method 2
The lattice constant of the base member substantially matches the lattice constant of the superconducting layer
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a superconductor includes a base member, and a superconducting layer provided on the base member. The superconducting layer has a first surface on the base member side, and a second surface on the side opposite to the first surface. The lattice constant of the base member substantially matches the lattice constant of the superconducting layer. The superconducting layer includes REA1-xREBxBa2Cu3O7-z. The x is not less than 0.01 and not more than 0.40. The z is not less than 0.02 and not more than 0.20. The REA includes at least one of Y, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, or Lu. The REB includes at least one of Nd or Sm. The superconducting layer includes a first surface-side region including a portion of the first surface. The first surface-side region includes a first region having an orientation property, and a second region.