APPLICATIONS OF SUPERCONDUCTORS
Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI)
MRI is a medical test used to see inside the body. It’s mainly used to check soft tissues like the brain, muscles, and organs. Unlike X-rays, it
doesn’t use harmful radiation, so it’s safe.
HOW IT WORKS:
Inside our body, there’s a lot of water, and water has hydrogen atoms. An MRI machine uses a super strong magnet made of superconducting
material to create a magnetic field. This field makes hydrogen atoms in our body line up in one direction.
Then, the machine sends radio waves, which make these atoms move. When the waves stop, the atoms go back to their normal position, and
while doing that, they send signals. These signals are used to make super clear pictures of what’s inside the body.
WHY IT’S COOL:
The strong magnets make sure the images are very sharp.
It’s used to find problems in the brain, muscles, heart, and more.
No radiation, so it’s safer than a CT scan.
Basically, MRI is like a super high-tech camera that sees what’s happening inside without needing surgery!
PREPARED BY AMAN RAJ
Maglev train
DEFINITION:-
maglev train is a high-speed train that uses magnetic levitation to move. Maglev trains are faster, quieter, and more energy
efficient than traditional trains.
1. How it works:-
Maglev trains use magnetic fields to levitate above the tracks.
The fields are created by electrified coils in the track and guideway walls.
The train has guidance magnets attached to the underside.
WHERE THEY ARE USED:-
China
Japan
Korea
FEATURES:-
Magnetic propulsion:Maglev trains use magnets to propel the vehicle instead of wheels, axles, and bearings.
Superconducting magnets: Superconducting magnets along the track generate magnetic fields that repel the magnets on the train,
allowing it to levitate.
Electrodynamic suspension: In EDS maglev trains, the train and the rail both create magnetic fields that repel each other, levitating
the train.
APPLICATION:-
Speed: Maglev trains can reach speeds of over 500 kmph.
Efficiency: They are more efficient than traditional trains and use very little energy.
Emissions: They emit no pollutants.
Safety and comfort: They have unique track and guidance designs that provide maximum safety and comfort.
PREPARED BY AYUSH KUMAR
Superconducting Quantum
Interference Devices (SQUIDs)
A Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) is a highly sensitive instrument used to measure extremely
small magnetic fields.
It leverages the principles of superconductivity and quantum mechanics.
working system of a SQUID :-
1. Josephson Junctions Thin insulating barriers between superconductors.
Enable quantum tunneling of Cooper pairs.
Create phase differences in the superconducting wave functions, crucial for detecting magnetic flux.
2. External Magnetic Field Generates a flux in the superconducting loop.
Causes changes in the current or phase difference across the junctions.
3. Interference Mechanism Combines the supercurrents from the junction to form an interference pattern.
The pattern varies with changes in the external magnetic flux.
PREPARED BY ANKIT YADAV
Superconductors- Powering the future
of supercomputing
DEFINITION SUPERCOMPUTERS:
High-performance computing systems capable of processing vast amounts of data and
performing complex calculations at incredible speeds.
Fugaku : Located in Japan, ranked as one of the fastest supercomputers globally.
Role of Superconductors in Supercomputing:
High-Speed Data Processing: Superconductors enable faster data transfer due to zero electrical
resistance, minimizing energy loss.
Compact Design: Superconducting circuits allow for smaller, more efficient processors.
Energy Efficiency: They drastically reduce power consumption compared to traditional
semiconductor-based systems.
Cryogenic Computing: Superconductors operate at extremely low temperatures, ideal for next-
gen quantum supercomputers.
APPLICATIONS:
Climate modelling
Molecular simulations for drug discovery
AI and machine learning advancements
Real-time data analysis for scientific research
PREPARED BY PRANAY YADAV
Particle Accelerators
A particle accelerator is a complex machine that uses electromagnetic fields to propel charged particles,
such as electrons, protons, or ions, to incredibly high speeds, often approaching the speed of light.
How it works:
Particles are generated from a source, such as a hydrogen gas or a metal filament.The particles are
injected into a series of accelerating cavities, where they are accelerated by electromagnetic fields.
Magnetic fields are used to steer and focus the particles as they move through the accelerator.
Electromagnetic fields are used to accelerate the particles, increasing their energy and speed.
Examples:
1.Large Hadron Collider (LHC): The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is a particle accelerator that studies
the fundamental building blocks of matter.
2. Cyclotron:A cyclotron accelerates charged particles outwards from the center of a flat cylindrical
vacuum chamber along a spiral path.
PREPARED BY ABHILASH
Fusion Reactors
Fusion reactors are devices designed to harness the energy produced by nuclear fusion reactions. Unlike nuclear
fission, which splits heavy atomic nuclei, fusion combines light atomic nuclei, such as hydrogen isotopes, to form
heavier nuclei, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process.
HOW FUSION REACTORS
WorkFuel: Fusion reactors typically use isotopes of hydrogen, such as deuterium and tritium, as fuel.
Plasma Formation: The fuel is heated to extremely high temperatures (millions of degrees Celsius) to form a plasma, a
hot, ionized gas where electrons are separated from nuclei.
Magnetic Confinement: Powerful magnetic fields are used to confine and control the plasma, preventing it from
coming into contact with the reactor walls. This is often achieved using devices like tokamaks or stellarators
Fusion Reaction: Under the right conditions, the nuclei in the plasma collide and fuse, releasing energy in the form of
high-energy particles and radiation.
Energy Capture: The energy released from the fusion reactions is captured and converted into electricity, typically
through heat exchangers and turbines.
Examples of Fusion ReactorsITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor): Currently under construction
in France, ITER aims to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale and carbon-free source of energy.
JET (Joint European Torus): Located in the UK, JET is one of the largest and most advanced fusion research facilities
in the world.
SPARC: A compact, high-field tokamak being developed by MIT and Commonwealth Fusion Systems, SPARC aims to
achieve net positive energy from fusion.
Fusion reactors hold the promise of providing a nearly limitless and clean source of energy, but significant technical
challenges remain before they can become a practical reality.
PREPARED BY ARITRA
Superconducting cables
Definition: Cables that use superconducting materials to transmit electricity with zero electrical resistance when cooled
to low temperatures.
Key Benefits:
High Efficiency: No power loss due to zero electrical resistance.
Compact Design: Higher current capacity in smaller cables.
Reduced Heat Generation: No heat produced during transmission.
Challenges:
Cooling Requirements: Need for refrigeration (liquid nitrogen/helium).
Cost: High production and maintenance costs.
Applications:
Power Grids: Long-distance, high-capacity transmission.
Specialized Uses: MRI, particle accelerators, and scientific research.
PREPARED BY AMAY
