The discovery by J. G. Bednorz and K. A. Mtllier in 1986 that the superconducting state can exist in oxides at temperatures above 30 K stimulated research in the field of superconductivity and opened up a new field of research. Within a few years a large number of cuprate superconductors with transition temperatures well above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen have been found. The possibility of using liquid nitrogen as coolant re-stimulated interest in power applications of supercon ductivity. In this book an overview of the known high-Te superconductors and their physical properties is presented. Aspects related to conductor fabrication and high-current applications are emphasised. The material should be suitable for use in graduate level courses on superconductivity. Researchers in the field may profit from the large number of tables and references describing its status at the end of 1997. An introduction to high-To superconductivity must be based on the fundamental physical principles of normal-state electrical conductivity and the well-known characteristics of conventional superconductors. In Chapter 2 this background is provided. Crystal structures, anisotropic properties and general trends of the critical temperatures of the cuprate superconductors are described in Chapters 3 and 4. The processing of superconductor powders addressed in Chapter 5 affects considerably the current-carrying capacity of high-T. wires. In Chapter 6 several fabrication techniques for superconducting wires are described. In addition, the factors limiting the transport critical currents ofhigh-Te wires are discussed.

Zusammenfassung
Within a few years a large number of cuprate superconductors with transition temperatures well above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen have been found. Crystal structures, anisotropic properties and general trends of the critical temperatures of the cuprate superconductors are described in Chapters 3 and 4.

Inhalt

1. Introduction.- 2. The Superconducting State.- 2.1 The Electrical Resistivity.- 2.2 Characteristic Properties of the Superconducting State.- 2.3 Conventional Superconductors.- 2.4 Tunnelling Effects.- 2.5 The Electrodynamics of Superconductors.- 2.6 The Thermodynamics of Superconductors.- 2.7 Type II Superconductors.- 3. A Survey of Superconducting Cuprates.- 3.1 Major Families of Superconducting Cuprates.- 3.2 Crystal Structures.- 3.3 Critical Temperatures.- 3.4 Summary.- 4. Physical Properties of High-Tc Superconductors.- 4.1 Introduction.- 4.2 Superconducting Properties.- 4.3 Grain Boundary Weak Links.- 4.4 Flux Pinning.- 4.5 Transport Properties.- 4.6 Specific Heat.- 4.7 Summary.- 5. Processing of Superconducting Powders.- 5.1 Introduction.- 5.2 Y-Based Superconductors.- 5.3 Bi-Based Superconductors.- 5.4 Tl-Based Superconductors.- 5.5 Hg-Based Superconductors.- 5.6 High Pressure Phases.- 5.7 Summary.- 6. Conductor Fabrication.- 6.1 Introduction.- 6.2 Wire Fabrication Techniques.- 6.3 Factors Limiting the Transport Critical Current Densities.- 6.4 Critical Current Densities in Superconducting Wires and Tapes.- 6.5 Field- and Temperature-Dependencies.- 6.6 Strain Effects.- 6.7 Summary.- 7. Foundations of Applied Superconductivity.- 7.1 Introduction.- 7.2 Material Properties of Silver.- 7.3 Stability.- 7.4 Safety Aspects.- 7.5 AC Losses.- 7.6 Summary.- 8. Magnet and Energy Applications.- 8.1 A Survey of Possible Energy Applications.- 8.2 Current Leads.- 8.3 Magnet Applications.- 8.4 Superconducting Transformers.- 8.5 Superconducting Fault Current Limiter.- 8.6 Power Transmission Lines.- 8.7 Superconducting Motors.- 8.8 Magnetic Levitation.- 9. Outlook.- 10.References.- 11.Subject Index.