Applications of Superconductivity in Medicine, Power Systems, and Transportation: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract Superconductivity is a phenomenon of exactly zero electrical resistance and expulsion of magnetic flux fields occurring in certain materials when cooled below a characteristic critical temperature. Superconductivity is a quantum mechanical phenomenon and it is characterized by the Meissner effect, the complete ejection of magnetic field lines from the interior of the superconductor as it transitions into the superconducting state. Superconductors offer major advances in efficiency and performance in electric power generation, transmission and storage; wireless communications; computing; transportation and scientific instruments that are cost effective and environmentally friendly. Superconducting materials have a significant role in advancing industrial and scientific applications with major benefits in various sectors including energy, environment, and healthcare. Superconductors are used to make devices known as a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUIDs), which are used in scanning SQUID microscopes and magneto encephalography. Superconducting magnets are some of the most powerful electromagnets known. They are used in MRI/NMR machines, mass spectrometers. Levitating trains have been built that use powerful electromagnets made from superconductors. More recently, superconductors have been used to make digital circuits based on rapid single flux quantum technology and RF and microwave filters for mobile phone base stations.