Perspectives of superconducting MgB2 for microwave applications

TL;DR

This paper reviews the potential of MgB2 superconductor for microwave applications, comparing its properties with other superconductors and discussing its advantages, challenges, and future prospects.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of MgB2's microwave surface resistance and identifies promising application areas and material requirements for its use in high-performance devices.

Findings

MgB2 has favorable temperature, frequency, and power-dependent surface resistance.

Compared to Nb3Sn and YBa2Cu3O7-x, MgB2 shows unique advantages for microwave devices.

Fabrication technology for MgB2 needs further development to realize its potential.

Abstract

We discuss the temperature, frequency, and power-dependent surface resistance of the boride superconductor MgB2 in relation to possible applications for passive microwave devices. The data available in the literature are compared with results for polycrystalline Nb3Sn and epitaxial YBa2Cu3O7-x, which are representative of the classical and cuprate superconductors. MgB2 displays all specific features that make superconductors attractive for high-performance devices, even though the fabrication technology is not yet mature. We attempt to identify promising areas of applications, as well as material requirements, which could further promote the attractiveness of the new superconductor in this field.