A High Sensitivity Beta Imaging System for Surface Assessment

65583 In order to displace copper and aluminum for electric power applications, High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) wire must be produced with requisite quality in terms of current carrying capacity and in kilometer lengths at commercially viable prices. For coated conductors, crystallographic texture is a critical quality characteristic of the substrate metal tape, buffer layers, and HTS coating. This project will develop an on-line continuous crystallographic texture measurement system to allow process control and quality assurance of the buffer and HTS deposition processes. The texture measurements will be incorporated into an existing Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition (CCVD) system and x-ray diffractometer. In Phase I, modifications will be made to allow continuous, reel-to-reel transport of tape through the diffractometer. A strategy for making rapid, automated measurements of both in-plane and out-of-plane texture will be implemented, tested, and refined. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits: High temperature superconductor wire holds great promise for electric power applications including distribution cables, transformers, large motors, and off-peak storage. Advanced process diagnostics, including the proposed on-line texture characterization, should provide the process control feedback and continuous quality monitoring to enable the production of high-quality and cost-effective HTS coated conductors in the long lengths required for commercialization.