Design

As the temperature of many substances approach absolute zero (-273 Celsius / 0 Kelvin), their resistance falls to zero – they becoming superconducting. This means that electrical current can be passed through them perpetually at no loss. This, and related properties, can be extremely useful in situations where high current or high magnetic fields are used, such as Maglev trains, particle accelerators, and MRI machines. Our research examines the development of the field of superconductivity, with a view to watching interactions between academic and industry as the field evolves from basic research to commercial application. Moreover it does so using real-time (i.e. not retrospective) views of these collaborations.
This is joint work with Jim Ostler.

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