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Superconductors and Magnets
Name: Renee Grosser
Status: student
Age: 14
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 2000-2001
Question:
I would like to know if there are any "new materials" or
man-made elements used in superconducting magnets? What are they? Also
what is the process used to make superconducting magnets? Renee (In
1999 to present - Feb 2001)
Replies:
Hello Renee :
Superconducting magnets are made from compounds that are
superconducting, of which there are three different types, which I will
refer to as
1) metallic elements and alloys, such as mercury or niobium-tin. see
http://superconductors.org/Type1.htm for more information
2) ceramic
The first becomes superconducting only at VERY low temperatures, requiring
liquid helium for cooling. The second is the newest, and has the general
formula
M N(2) Cu(3) O(7+-x)
where M is an element such as lanthanum or yttrium and N is an element such
as barium. This material has generated excitement because it becomes
superconducting at much higher temperatures then the other two types,
requiring liquid nitrogen for cooling, which is much less expensive than
liquid helium and much easier to maintain, in terms of experimental
equipment. See http://superconductors.org/Type2.htm for more information
Neither of these two types of superconducting compounds contain man-made
elements.
The first type of superconductor is cast as a solid piece from a melt,
while the third is made as a powder and either pressed into solid shapes,
or embedded into a metal, which is in the form of a ribbon.
Good luck,
Jim Rubin
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Update: June 2012
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