What is the maximum current in a superconductor loop?

In summary, the maximum current that a superconductor loop can handle is dependent on various factors such as temperature, external magnetic field strength, current direction, and the material and fabrication process of the superconductor. This maximum current is defined as the critical current, which is intrinsic to each superconductor and can be influenced by pinning centres within the material. These pinning centres are affected by factors such as thermal and magnetic conditions, material properties, and manufacturing techniques.
  • #1
fxdung
388
23
If we put an emf equal constant onto a superconductor loop(we consider the resister of emf equal zero), then what is the maximum of current in the loop?
 
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  • #2
Your superconductor will stop being a superconductor at a current that depends on the temperature and external magnetic field strength, and sometimes the current direction (and the material obviously).
 
  • #3
To just elaborate on mfb's answer a bit, we typically define the maximum limiting current (density) in a superconductor by what is called the 'critical current': Jc.

Superconductors come in a variety of flavours, and the 'critical current' (density) is intrinsic to each superconductor material, fabrication process, shape, quality, and many more factors! Ultimately however, in type-2 superconductors which heed all real practical applications, the current that you can pass through the superconductor depends on the pinning centres of the superconductor. Pinning centres are regions of non-superconducting states; which sounds counterintuitive at first, but actually introducing non-superconducting regions helps `pin' and retain superconductivity. These pinning centres are thermally and magnetically dependent; depend on material, sample shape, crystalline quality, growth sectors, manufacture technique, size and relative number of impurities/defects - so to reiterate, are many, many factors!
 

FAQ: What is the maximum current in a superconductor loop?

1. What is a superconductor loop?

A superconductor loop is a closed circuit made of a superconducting material, which is a material that can conduct electricity with zero resistance when cooled below a certain temperature.

2. What is the maximum current that can flow through a superconductor loop?

The maximum current that can flow through a superconductor loop is determined by the critical current, which is the maximum amount of current that a superconductor can carry without losing its superconducting properties.

3. How is the maximum current in a superconductor loop determined?

The maximum current in a superconductor loop is determined by the critical current density of the superconducting material and the size and shape of the loop. The critical current density is a characteristic of the material and can be measured experimentally.

4. Can the maximum current in a superconductor loop be increased?

Yes, the maximum current in a superconductor loop can be increased by using materials with higher critical current densities or by optimizing the size and shape of the loop. Additionally, advancements in superconducting technology may lead to higher critical current densities in the future.

5. What are some applications of superconductor loops?

Superconductor loops are used in a variety of applications, including MRI machines, particle accelerators, and high-speed trains. They are also being researched for use in energy storage and transmission systems due to their ability to carry large currents without energy loss.

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