Space-based high-temperature superconductivity experiment-design and performance

Author

Polturak, E. ; Koren, G. ; Flohr, I. ; Waller, R. ; Guelman, M.

Author_Institution

Dept. of Phys., Technion-Israel Inst. of Technol., Haifa, Israel

Volume

48

Issue

7

fYear

2000

fDate

7/1/2000 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

1289

Lastpage

1291

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the first successful superconductivity experiment in space. The experiment aims to test the long-term survivability of high-temperature superconductors (HTSs) under space conditions. Our system consists of a thin YBa₂Cu₃O ₇ film integrated with a cryocooler. The experiment orbits the Earth aboard the TECHSAT II satellite as of July 1998. Periodic testing of the device returns data on its resistance, critical temperature, and critical current. As of now, the superconducting film has shown a marginal degradation of its properties. We hope to provide the basic long-term survivability data needed to advance applications of HTSs in space-based communication systems

Keywords

barium compounds; copper compounds; critical currents; electric resistance; high-temperature superconductors; satellite communication; superconducting device reliability; superconducting thin films; superconducting transition temperature; yttrium compounds; Earth orbit; TECHSAT II satellite; YBCO film; YBa₂Cu₃O₇; critical current; critical temperature; high-temperature superconductivity experiment; integrated cryocooler; long-term survivability data; periodic testing; properties degradation; resistance; space conditions; space-based HTSC experiment; space-based communication system applications; thin YBaCuO film; Critical current; Degradation; Earth; High temperature superconductors; Orbits; Satellite communication; Space technology; Superconducting films; Superconductivity; Testing;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Microwave Theory and Techniques, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9480

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/22.853476

Filename

853476