MgB2
The main focus of Columbus Superconductors is the superconductor magnesium diboride (MgB2). Our goals are to improve the performance of magnesium diboride and to develop long-length superconducting wires that satisfy customers’ requirements.
MgB2 is one of the most recent solutions adopted by the superconductor industry, which is looking to innovate its products. There are many reasons why this material is so special compared with other superconducting materials:
- the low cost and wide availability of raw materials
- the high superconducting temperature (Tc= 40 K), which means that MgB2-based systems can be cooled by modern cryocooling devices, without the costly, problematic and hazardous use of liquid helium
- excellent chemical and mechanical compatibility with various pure elements and common alloys, meaning that various different materials can be used as
MgB2-based wire components - with its potentially excellent performance in high energy applications (Hc2 > 60 T achieved in thin films), the material can be used in virtually any known practical application of superconductivity
- low anisotropy and potential for persistent mode operation (high n-value, low current decay at mid-range magnetic fields).
MgB2 benefits from excellent superconducting properties, without this compromising its affordability and strength, even when made into wires.
MgB