New types of superconducting wire

  Magnesium diboride (MgB₂) superconductors have the highest critical temperature of the metallic superconductors (39 K), are easily compounded and have abundant raw materials. The use of MgB₂ in superconducting magnets and cables requires forming it into wire rod 10 km or so in length. We are advancing with R & D on applying superconductors in practical products to establish technology for achieving an appropriate wire rod structure and for manufacture.

  This is a 100-m longl multi-filament superconducting wire made of MgB₂ (magnesium diboride) that is a new metallic superconducting material and attracting attention these days. By using a multi-filament structure and composite shells, it is now possible to make a 100-m long wire rod, which is a world top-level achievement in MgB₂ wire research. MgB₂ does not require heat treatment or other such processing in the manufacture of wire, so it is much cheaper to make than other superconducting materials.

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This "MgB₂ multi-filament superconducting wire" was developed jointly by the Central Japan Railway Company and Hitachi, Ltd. This work was also, in part, conducted as part of joint research with the National Institute for Materials Science.