Print this page Introduction to High Temperature Superconductors
Danny R. Graves, PE, MSEE
Course Outline
In this 1 PDH course,
the student will be introduced to the fundamental properties of superconductors,
the basics of high temperature superconductors, the Meissner effect, the zero
resistance effect, practical experimentation kits, how to make a superconductor
from scratch, applications for superconductors, and superconductor patent information.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to
enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
After taking this introductory course, the student will be familiar with:
- High temperature superconductors;
- The Meissner effect, the zero resistance effect, availability of experimentation kits; and
- How they can
learn to make a superconductor from scratch, applications for superconductors,
and superconductor patent information.
This introductory course is intended for any professional working with electrical, electronic, or magnetic equipment that could possible benefit from the use of high temperature superconductor technology. It is also intended for the engineer or scientist that has a general interest in superconductor technology and would like to know the basics.
Course Introduction
High temperature superconductors (HTS) and their characteristics are fascinating topics. I hope that students that take this course will be inspired to experiment with superconductors. Perhaps the student may be the one that develops a room temperature superconductor and changes the world!
In this course,
the student will be introduced to the fundamental properties of superconductors,
the basics of high temperature superconductors, the Meissner effect, the zero
resistance effect, practical experimentation kits, how to make a superconductor
from scratch, applications for superconductors, and superconductor patent information.
Course
Content
The course content is in a PDF file Introduction to High Temperature Superconductors. You need to open or download this document to study this course.
Course Summary
Room temperature superconductors (or even materials that will superconduct via Freon cooling) are one of the next great technological leaps awaiting mankind. Even LN2 cooled superconductors that can easily be formed into flexible wires would be a great leap. If higher temperature superconductors can be developed, it has the potential to change the world into the science fiction representation we often see in the movies (floating cars, trains, furniture, etc). It will open new doors for inventors the way microelectronics did in its early days.
I hope that this course inspires some of you to start playing around with superconductors and come up with a major breakthrough in the basic technology or at least start generating ideas for applications. Also, current HTS materials can be utilized in various pieces of equipment, such as large electromagnets, to save weight and increase output.
More information
on superconductors can be found on the Web by searching for "superconductors",
"high temperature superconductors", "superconductor magnet",
HTS, or YBCO. The references listed with this course are also excellent sources
for more information.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
