Keeping the costs of superconducting magnets down using ultrasound

Superconductivity already has a variety of practical applications, such as medical imaging and levitating transportation like the ever-popular maglev systems. However, to ensure that the benefits of applied superconductors keep spreading further into other technological fields, we need to find ways of not only improving their performance, but also making them more accessible and simpler to fabricate.

In this regard, magnesium diboride (MgB2) has attracted the attention of researchers since its discovery as a superconductor with multiple advantages. It is a lightweight, easily processible material made from widely abundant precursors; these qualities combined, greatly lower the overall cost of working with MgB2.

However, a key practical property of a superconductor is its critical current density (Jc)--the maximum current density at which it can operate without dissipating energy like conventional conductors do. Increasing the Jc of MgB2 through affordable means has proven to be a notable challenge, which is usually tackled through materials engineering and by optimizing fabrication procedures and conditions.

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