High Critical Current in Metal Organic Derived YBCO Films

The Phase I STTR demonstrated major improvements in the deposition of high critical current YBCO films by a low-cost Metal Organic Deposition process on RABiTS substrates. A critical current of nearly 500 A/cm-width (77K, self-field) was achieved in a short length 2 m thick YBCO film, exceeding the Phase I goal of 450 A/cm-width. This performance is equivalent to a current of 200 A in an industry standard 4.4 mm wide Second Generation (2G) superconducting wire. To achieve this successful result, the Phase I program focused on the characterization and optimization of the nucleation/growth of thick YBCO films. The performance achieved in the Phase I program demonstrates the technical feasibility of manufacturing high-current, low-cost 2G superconducting wires required for critical military and commercial applications. The proposed Phase II Project will focus on further optimization of the thick YBCO film process, extending the YBCO thickness to > 2 m and transferring the thick film process into AMSC's pilot manufacturing process. The successful completion of the proposed Phase II Project will demonstrate the technology required for low-cost manufacturing of continuous lengths of 2G superconducting wire and provide initial lengths of 200A 2G superconducting wire for characterization and testing in critical military applications.