Optimization of a Non-arsenic Iron-based Superconductor for Wire Fabrication

TL;DR

This paper reports the optimized synthesis of non-arsenic iron-selenide superconductors with high critical temperature and current density, and demonstrates a wire fabrication proof-of-concept for potential practical applications.

Contribution

It introduces an optimized synthesis process for iron-selenide superconductors and provides a successful wire fabrication demonstration.

Findings

Achieved Tc of 38 K and Jc of 10^5 A/cm2 at 4 K.

Produced ~40 ft of superconducting wire with measurable Ic.

Highlighted the synthesis challenges and potential advantages of 122 selenides.

Abstract

We report on the optimization of synthesis of iron-selenide (non-arsenic) superconducting powders that are based on '122' composition, with optimal Tc = 38 K and Jc = 10^5 A/cm2 (4 K). We also report on the wire proof-of concept for these materials, by producing ~ 40 ft of wire that produce Ic. The 122 selenides are more difficult to synthesize and have more complex crystal structures compared to '11' selenides (FeSe and FeSe1-xTex), but they do offer higher Tc and might provoke a natural extension for 11 work.