Critical current density in advanced superconductors

authored by: H. S. Ruiz, J. Hänisch, M. Polichetti, A. Galluzzi, L. Gozzelino, D. Torsello, S. Milošević-Govedarović, J. Grbović-Novaković, O. V. Dobrovolskiy, W. Lang, G. Grimaldi, A. Crisan, P. Badica, A. M. Ionescu, P. Cayado, R. Willa, B. Barbiellini, S. Eley, A. Badía–Majós
Abstract: This review paper delves into the concept of critical current density (J_c) in high-temperature superconductors (HTS) across macroscopic, mesoscopic, and microscopic perspectives. Through this exploration, a comprehensive range of connections is unveiled aiming to foster advancements in the physics, materials science, and the engineering of applied superconductors. Beginning with the macroscopic interpretation of J_c as a central material law, the review traces its development from C.P. Bean's foundational work to modern extensions. Mesoscopic challenges in understanding vortex dynamics and their coherence with thermodynamic anisotropy regimes are addressed, underscoring the importance of understanding the limitations and corrections implicit in the macroscopic measurement of J_c, linked with mesoscopic phenomena such as irradiation effects, defect manipulation, and vortex interactions. The transition to supercritical current densities is also discussed, detailing the superconductor behavior beyond critical thresholds with a focus on flux-flow instability regimes relevant to fault current limiters and fusion energy magnets. Enhancing J_c through tailored material microstructures, engineered pinning centers, grain boundary manipulation, and controlled doping is explored, along with radiation techniques and their impact on large-scale energy systems. Emphasizing the critical role of J_c, this review focuses on its physical optimization and engineering manipulation, highlighting its significance across diverse sectors.
External Organisation(s): University of Leicester
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Universita di Salerno
Politecnico di Torino (POLITO)
Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN)
University of Belgrade
Technische Universität Braunschweig
University of Vienna
Institut de Physique des Materiaux, Bucarest-Magurele
University of Geneva
University of Oviedo
School of Engineering and Management Vaud
Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT)
Northeastern University
Colorado School of Mines (CSM)
University of Washington (UW)
Universidad de Zaragoza
Type: Review article
Journal: Progress in materials science
Volume: 155
ISSN: 0079-6425
Publication date: 26.05.2025
Publication status: E-pub ahead of print
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: General Materials Science
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmatsci.2025.101492 (Access: Open)

BibTeX

@article{4f26896a097c4b39ad23c2bf5842d1a9,
title = "Critical current density in advanced superconductors",
abstract = "This review paper delves into the concept of critical current density (Jc) in high-temperature superconductors (HTS) across macroscopic, mesoscopic, and microscopic perspectives. Through this exploration, a comprehensive range of connections is unveiled aiming to foster advancements in the physics, materials science, and the engineering of applied superconductors. Beginning with the macroscopic interpretation of Jc as a central material law, the review traces its development from C.P. Bean's foundational work to modern extensions. Mesoscopic challenges in understanding vortex dynamics and their coherence with thermodynamic anisotropy regimes are addressed, underscoring the importance of understanding the limitations and corrections implicit in the macroscopic measurement of Jc, linked with mesoscopic phenomena such as irradiation effects, defect manipulation, and vortex interactions. The transition to supercritical current densities is also discussed, detailing the superconductor behavior beyond critical thresholds with a focus on flux-flow instability regimes relevant to fault current limiters and fusion energy magnets. Enhancing Jc through tailored material microstructures, engineered pinning centers, grain boundary manipulation, and controlled doping is explored, along with radiation techniques and their impact on large-scale energy systems. Emphasizing the critical role of Jc, this review focuses on its physical optimization and engineering manipulation, highlighting its significance across diverse sectors.",
keywords = "Critical current density, Flux creep, Flux flow instabilities, Flux pinning, High temperature superconductors, Superconducting materials, Superconductivity, Vortex–defect interactions, Vortices",
author = "Ruiz, {H. S.} and J. H{\"a}nisch and M. Polichetti and A. Galluzzi and L. Gozzelino and D. Torsello and S. Milo{\v s}evi{\'c}-Govedarovi{\'c} and J. Grbovi{\'c}-Novakovi{\'c} and Dobrovolskiy, {O. V.} and W. Lang and G. Grimaldi and A. Crisan and P. Badica and Ionescu, {A. M.} and P. Cayado and R. Willa and B. Barbiellini and S. Eley and A. Bad{\'i}a–Maj{\'o}s",
note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2025 The Authors",
year = "2025",
month = may,
day = "26",
doi = "10.1016/j.pmatsci.2025.101492",
language = "English",
volume = "155",
journal = "Progress in materials science",
issn = "0079-6425",
publisher = "Elsevier Ltd.",
}