Control of quantized vortices by using nanotechnology

Abstract

Now after 20 years since the discovery of high-temperature superconductors, practical superconducting wires made of these materials are being manufactured and the verification examinations for electric and industrial applications are being carried out one after another. The high-temperature superconductors have appeared at center stage again as dream materials after a long period of research and development. Here, flux pinning has become very important. The critical current density, J_c, of the superconductor is govened by the strength of flux pinning. To draw out the high performance of high-temperature superconductors, a new technology for introducing artificial pinning centers into superconductors by means of nanotechnology is being developed and is now the focus of attention.