Abstract
This paper summarizes processing, properties and applications of bulk high-temperature superconductors based on RE-Ba-Cu-O (RE: rare earth elements). For practical applications, one needs to grow single-grain bulk RE-Ba-Cu-O materials, which are synthesized using a top-seeded melt-growth (TSMG) process. Here, NdBa 2 Cu3Oy crystals are used as seeds for texturing or grain alignment. Critical currents of bulk RE-Ba-Cu-O can be enhanced by dispersing non-superconducting particles such as RE 2 BaCuO5. Encapsulation of bulk RE-Ba-Cu-O and resin impregnation are effective in improving mechanical properties. Resin impregnation is also effective in improving the corrosion resistance. Engineering applications of bulk RE-BaCu-O are categorized into three groups: magnetic levitation, high field magnet and conductors. For magnetic levitation applications, people have been developing flywheel energy storage systems based on non-contact frictionless superconducting bearings. For high field applications, bulk superconductors are used as magnetic sources for superconducting motors and magnetically induced drug delivery systems. Current leads made of bulk superconductors are commonly used as a power supply for cryogen-free superconducting magnets.
