Structured Materials Receives Grant to Develop Superconducting Tapes

Structured Materials Industries, Inc. (SMI) reports that it has received an AFOSR Phase I SBIR to develop improved current carrying superconducting films. SMI’s approach is two-fold-– developing CeO inter-layers combined with controlled flux pinning centers. It is well known that HTC superconductor films current carrying capacity tapers off as thickness increases beyond about ½ micron. One solution is to grow multiple film layers; however to do this some interlayer must be developed. To further improve current carrying capabilities, the flux must be pinned. SMI’s program addresses both issues with proprietary MOCVD technology. SMI’s goal is to provide the industry with better reactors for making superconducting tapes and devices.