Superconducting properties of a copper-ternary alloy

Abstract
The superconducting properties of a copper-ternary alloy of the type Cu93Nb5Sn2, subjected to a variety of mechanical and heat treatments, are discussed. The as-cast alloy does not turn superconducting down to 4.5K; but the cold-work and subsequent prescribed heat treatments are found to raise the transition temperature Tc to values as high as 18.1K and the critical current density Jc (of the Nb3Sn formed during annealing) to a value of 3.6*105 A cm-2 (at 4.2K and 30 kOe). The as-cast alloy is ductile, easy to draw and economical, and the annealed wires are flexible enough for winding.