Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method for synthesizing a conductor and particularly to a method for synthesizing a high-temperature superconductor.
Description of Related Art
[002] Superconductivity represents a unique state of matter where electrical resistance vanishes and magnetic flux is expelled. Traditional low-temperature superconductors require cooling with liquid helium, that imposes significant cost and technical barriers. The introduction of high-temperature superconductors (HTS) created new possibilities for more practical applications, particularly because some of these materials function above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen.
[003] Despite such advances, existing high-temperature superconductors (HTS) face critical shortcomings. Yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO) remains widely used due to its relatively higher transition temperature, yet it suffers from brittleness, grain boundary resistance, and reliance on liquid nitrogen cooling. Bismuth strontium calcium copper oxide (BSCCO) offers the ability to form wires through silver sheathing, but it requires costly silver matrices and shows performance decline under mechanical stress. Thallium- and mercury-based superconductors demonstrate record critical temperatures, yet their toxicity and unstable synthesis limit industrial deployment. Magnesium diboride provides a simpler structure with abundant raw materials, yet its transition temperature remains below liquid nitrogen levels, restricting practical efficiency. Iron-based superconductors exhibit complex multiband structures with improved upper critical fields, but challenges in phase purity and limited transition temperatures restrict their usability.
[004] The limitations of these known materials create barriers to widespread adoption in energy transmission, medical imaging, magnetic levitation, and advanced electronics. Persistent reliance on cryogenic liquids, insufficient mechanical robustness, and high production costs continue to hinder scalable deployment. The gap between laboratory discovery and industrial practicality has therefore prevented superconducting technology from achieving its full transformative potential.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced method for synthesizing a high-temperature superconductor that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a method for synthesizing a high-temperature superconductor. The method comprising steps of selecting a substrate with lattice compatibility and thermal stability; introducing vaporized metal-organic precursors comprising rare-earth elements, alkaline earth elements, and transition metals, onto the selected substrate, by placing into a chemical vapor deposition chamber; applying laser pulses to locally heat and initiate a deposition of a superconducting layer on the selected substrate; simultaneously introducing dopants and controlling oxygen partial pressure to optimize lattice structure and electron mobility of the superconductor layered substrate; embedding nanostructured magnetic flux pinning particles, in the superconductor layered substrate, in situ during deposition; cooling and annealing, the superconductor layered substrate embedded with the nanostructured magnetic flux pinning particles, to stabilize the superconducting layer; reinforcing the superconducting layer with a mechanically flexible composite layer to enhance ductility and vibration resistance; and obtaining the high-temperature superconductor.
[007] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for synthesizing a high-temperature superconductor
[008] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method that achieves superconductivity at temperatures above 150 Kelvin.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method that allows efficient operation with cost-effective cooling media such as carbon dioxide instead of liquid nitrogen or helium.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method that ensures precise stoichiometric control, uniform crystal growth, and scalable production.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method that provides superior reproducibility and supports both laboratory research and industrial applications.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method that improves critical current density and stability under high magnetic fields.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method that eliminates flux creep and enhances performance in demanding operational environments.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method that imparts flexibility, strength, and vibration resistance.
[0015] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method that makes the superconductor suitable for wearable electronics, mobile power systems, and aerospace applications.
[0016] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method that operates with non-cryogenic refrigerants, resulting in lower energy consumption, reduced environmental impact.
[0017] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method that enables significant cost savings compared with conventional superconducting systems that depend on liquid helium or nitrogen.
[0018] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0019] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1A illustrates a high-temperature superconductor, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the high-temperature superconductor, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for synthesizing the high-temperature superconductor, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0026] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0027] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0028] FIG. 1A illustrates a high-temperature superconductor 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the high-temperature superconductor 100 may be fabricated on a substrate with lattice compatibility and thermal stability. In an embodiment of the present invention, the high-temperature superconductor 100 may comprise a ceramic-based lattice structure. The high-temperature superconductor 100 may be engineered with rare-earth doping and controlled oxygen vacancies. The high-temperature superconductor 100 may exhibit a critical temperature exceeding 150 Kelvin and/or 180 Kelvin and may demonstrate a zero electrical resistance under standard four-probe testing.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the high-temperature superconductor 100 may be synthesized by a laser-assisted chemical vapor deposition (LA-CVD) of metal-organic precursors by placement into a chemical vapor deposition chamber. The laser-assisted chemical vapor deposition (LA-CVD) process may enable precise control of stoichiometry, grain orientation, and deposition rate. The high-temperature superconductor 100 may be applied with laser pulses to locally heat and initiate a deposition of a superconducting layer.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the high-temperature superconductor 100 may undergo a process of nanostructured magnetic flux pinning particles. The process of nanostructured magnetic flux pinning particles may enhance critical current density and magnetic field stability of the high-temperature superconductor 100. The process of nanostructured magnetic flux pinning particles may trap magnetic vortices, enhancing a current-carrying capacity of the high-temperature superconductor 100 under magnetic fields. The high-temperature superconductor 100 may comprise a mechanically flexible composite layer formed of a polymer-ceramic hybrid or metallic mesh. The mechanically flexible composite layer may impart mechanical strength, ductility, and vibration resistance.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the high-temperature superconductor 100 may be deposited on a substrate selected from sapphire, Magnesium Oxide (MgO), Strontium Titanate (SrTiO₃), or combinations thereof. The substrate may be pretreated to improve adhesion and lattice alignment of the superconducting layer. In another embodiment, the high-temperature superconductor 100 may comprise vapor-deposited rare-earth elements, alkaline earth elements, and transition metals introduced by a chemical vapor deposition process. The rare-earth elements may include, but are not limited to, lanthanum, praseodymium, and neodymium.
[0032] In yet another embodiment, the high-temperature superconductor 100 may be engineered with controlled oxygen partial pressure to enhance Cooper pair formation and electron mobility within the superconducting lattice. In another embodiment, the high-temperature superconductor 100 may comprise embedded nanostructured magnetic flux pinning particles selected from Barium Zirconate (BaZrO₃), Iron(III) Oxide (Fe₂O₃), or combinations thereof. The nanostructured particles may be distributed in situ during deposition to improve magnetic field stability.
[0033] In another embodiment, the high-temperature superconductor 100 may be subjected to a cooling and annealing process under a controlled oxygen atmosphere to stabilize the crystalline structure and improve grain connectivity. In yet another embodiment, the high-temperature superconductor 100 may comprise a reinforced mechanically flexible composite layer disposed on the superconducting layer, wherein the composite layer enhances ductility, tensile strength, and resistance to thermal cycling.
[0034] FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the high-temperature superconductor 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the high-temperature superconductor 100 may be compatible with non-cryogenic cooling systems utilizing refrigerants such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) or other moderate-temperature coolants. The high-temperature superconductor 100 may be fabricated in form of thin films, tapes, or bulk ceramics, suitable for scalable industrial and commercial applications. The high-temperature superconductor 100 may be used in power transmission systems, maglev transportation, quantum computing devices, medical imaging systems, wearable electronics, aerospace systems, flexible power circuits, and so forth. The high-temperature superconductor 100 may enable lossless electricity transmission and improved operational efficiency.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the high-temperature superconductor 100 may be deposited using laser-assisted chemical vapor deposition (LA-CVD), pulsed laser deposition (PLD), or molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The deposition temperature may range from 600 °C to 900 °C, with a controlled oxygen partial pressure in the range of 10⁻³ to 10² Torr. In another embodiment, the high-temperature superconductor 100 may be doped with rare-earth elements at a stoichiometric ratio of approximately 1:2:3 with respect to rare-earth (R), alkaline earth (A), and transition metal (M), thereby forming R-A-M-O type ceramic superconducting structures. For example, in an R₁A₂M₃Oₓ lattice, the oxygen stoichiometry (x) may be controlled between 6.5 and 7.2 to tune superconducting properties.
[0036] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the high-temperature superconductor 100 may include embedded nanostructured magnetic flux pinning particles at a concentration ranging from 1 vol% to 15 vol% relative to the superconducting matrix. The average particle size may range between 5 nanometers (nm) and 100 nanometers (nm) to maximize vortex pinning efficiency.
[0037] In another embodiment of the present invention, the high-temperature superconductor 100 may undergo post-deposition annealing under an oxygen-rich environment at 400 °C to 600 °C for a duration of 1 to 10 hours to stabilize lattice ordering, improve grain connectivity, and optimize oxygen vacancy concentration. In another embodiment, the high-temperature superconductor 100 may be configured as a superconducting tape fabricated by reel-to-reel processing techniques. The superconducting layer thickness may range from 100 nm to 5 µm, deposited over flexible metallic substrates coated with buffer layers such as Yttria-stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) or Cerium Oxide (CeO₂).
[0038] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the high-temperature superconductor 100 may comprise a mechanically flexible composite overlayer, including a polymer–ceramic hybrid or a metallic mesh reinforcement. The reinforcement layer may have a thickness of 10 micrometers (µm) to 500 micrometers (µm) and may impart tensile strength exceeding 100 megapascal (Mpa), while maintaining superconducting properties. In another embodiment, the high-temperature superconductor 100 may be fabricated in multilayer form, wherein superconducting layers are alternated with insulating or metallic buffer layers at a thickness ratio of approximately 10:1 to 50:1, thereby enhancing both thermal stability and current density.
[0039] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for synthesizing the high-temperature superconductor 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] At step 202, the substrate with the lattice compatibility and the thermal stability may be selected. The selected substrate may be cleaned and pretreated. The substrate may be, but not limited to, the sapphire, the Magnesium Oxide (MgO), the Strontium Titanate (SrTiO₃), and so forth.
[0041] At step 204, the vaporized metal-organic precursors may comprise the rare-earth elements, the alkaline earth elements, and the transition metals, and may be introduced by placing the selected substrate into the chemical vapor deposition chamber. The rare-earth elements may be, but not limited to, lanthanum, praseodymium, neodymium, and so forth.
[0042] At step 206, the laser pulses may be applied to locally heat and initiate the deposition of the superconducting layer on the selected substrate.
[0043] At step 208, dopants and controlling oxygen partial pressure may simultaneously be introduced to optimize the lattice structure and the electron mobility of the superconductor layered substrate. The oxygen partial pressure may be engineered to enhance the Cooper pair formation and electron mobility.
[0044] At step 210, the nanostructured magnetic flux pinning particles may be embedded in the superconductor layered substrate, in situ during deposition. The nanostructured magnetic flux pinning particles may be, but not limited to, Barium Zirconate (BaZrO₃), Iron(III) Oxide (Fe₂O₃), and so forth.
[0045] At step 212, the superconductor layered substrate embedded with the nanostructured magnetic flux pinning particles may be cooled and annealed to stabilize the superconducting layer. The annealing may be carried out under a controlled oxygen atmosphere to improve crystal structure and grain connectivity.
[0046] At step 214, the superconducting layer may be reinforced with the mechanically flexible composite layer to enhance the ductility and the vibration resistance.
[0047] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0048] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A method (200) for synthesizing a high-temperature superconductor (100), the method (200) is characterized by steps of:
selecting a substrate with lattice compatibility and thermal stability;
introducing vaporized metal-organic precursors comprising rare-earth elements, alkaline earth elements, and transition metals, onto the selected substrate, by placing into a chemical vapor deposition chamber;
applying laser pulses to locally heat and initiate a deposition of a superconducting layer on the selected substrate;
simultaneously introducing dopants and controlling oxygen partial pressure to optimize lattice structure and electron mobility of the superconductor layered substrate;
embedding nanostructured magnetic flux pinning particles, in the superconductor layered substrate, in situ during deposition;
cooling and annealing, the superconductor layered substrate embedded with the nanostructured magnetic flux pinning particles, to stabilize the superconducting layer;
reinforcing the superconducting layer with a mechanically flexible composite layer to enhance ductility and vibration resistance; and
obtaining the high-temperature superconductor (100).
2. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a step of cleaning and pretreating the substrate.
3. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the high-temperature superconductor (100) exhibits a critical temperature exceeding 150 Kelvin and zero electrical resistance.
4. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the substrate is selected from sapphire, Magnesium Oxide (MgO), Strontium Titanate (SrTiO₃), or a combination thereof.
5. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the laser pulses are modulated in frequency and intensity to control grain orientation and deposition rate.
6. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rare-earth elements are selected from lanthanum, praseodymium, neodymium, or a combination thereof.
7. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the oxygen partial pressure is engineered to enhance Cooper pair formation and electron mobility.
8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nanostructured magnetic flux pinning particles are selected from Barium Zirconate (BaZrO₃), Iron(III) Oxide (Fe₂O₃), or a combination thereof.
9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein annealing is carried out under a controlled oxygen atmosphere to improve crystal structure and grain connectivity.
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanically flexible composite layer comprises a polymer-ceramic hybrid, a metallic mesh, or a combination thereof.
Date: October 04, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant