Significantly enhanced critical current density and pinning force in nanostructured, (RE)BCO-based, coated conductor

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Superconductivity

Background:

• High-temperature superconducting wires are crucial for large-scale applications in fusion energy, power grids, defense, medical, and transportation sectors.
• Current price/performance metrics hinder the widespread adoption of coated conductor wires in these demanding applications.
• Defect engineering in superconducting films is a key strategy to enhance performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the limits of critical current density (Jc) in heteroepitaxially deposited high-temperature superconducting thin films.
• To improve the performance of coated conductor wires through defect engineering for long-length fabrication.
• To achieve enhanced Jc and pinning force (Fp) values for commercial viability.

Main Methods:

• Defect engineering via self-assembled BaZrO3 nanocolumns in (RE)BCO films.
• Heteroepitaxial deposition on coated conductor substrates.
• Measurement of Jc(H, T) and Fp(H, T) across various magnetic fields and temperatures (4.2 K to 77 K).

Main Results:

• Record Jc values achieved: ~190 MA/cm² at 4.2 K (self-field) and ~90 MA/cm² at 4.2 K (7 T).
• High Jc observed at 20 K: over 150 MA/cm² (self-field) and over 60 MA/cm² (7 T).
• Exceptional pinning forces recorded: ~6.4 TN/m³ at 4.2 K and ~4.2 TN/m³ at 20 K (both at 7 T).

Conclusions:

• The defect engineering approach significantly enhances Jc and Fp in high-temperature superconducting films.
• These record-breaking performance metrics demonstrate the potential for substantial improvements in commercial superconducting wires.
• Enhanced performance leads to more favorable price/performance ratios, paving the way for broader commercial applications.