Coaxial configuration of Bi-2212 textured ceramics: a possibility for improved current leads

The simultaneous improvement of the critical current and the minimization of the heat conductivity of thin Bi-2212 textured ceramics at high temperatures has been attempted on small diameter, thin walled superconducting tubes. Laser floating melting zone technologies have been used to fabricate cylindrical tubes of textured ceramic. Moreover, the feasibility of larger performances in current lead devices using a coaxial configuration of conductors with currents flowing in opposite directions has been experimentally and theoretically analyzed.