Superconductivity has been the holy grail of electrical transmission but the extremely low temperatures and high temperatures required for superconductivity have been limiting factors. Now, scientists at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, may have achieved a breakthrough.
They have invented a method of preparing superconducting nanocrystals that can be used to attain superconductivity at higher temperatures. Therefore, devices can operate at ambient and elevated temperatures. They can hence be used to make magnets, qubits for quantum computation, current carrying interconnects in power grids as well as small scale devices, field generators in maglev trains, as power storage devices, field sensors and as electromagnetic field guides, concentrators and shields.
IISc has said it invites private sector participation to take this technology to commercial fruition.
Basically, the technology is all about the following:
Nanocrystal structures (NCs) are nano-sized particles which are typically used in optical applications including light-emitting devices, diode lasers, photovoltaic cells etc. Superconductors are materials that do not exhibit resistance to the passage of current. Emergence of superconductivity is observed by drop in resistance to passage of current below transition temperature or appearance of strong diamagnetism (property of being repelled by a magnetic field) or both. Superconductors do not exhibit perfect diamagnetism due to polycrystallinity and impurities. Superconducting crystals have shown weak diamagnetism due to size effects. Since, the existing superconductors show superconductivity only at low temperatures and high pressures, it is considered as a limitation for medical applications. Also, superconductors having transition temperatures above room temperature can be used for transport of electricity in power grids.
IISc has filed an application for patent in Indian Patent Office for this invention. We are seeking for a commercial partner for licensing, collaboration and development of this technology.
For further details, contact:
Intellectual Property and Technology Licensing (IPTeL)
SID Complex,
Indian Institute of Science,
(Near Maramma Circle Gate, Close to J.N. Tata Auditorium)
Bangalore – 560012
Landline: +91 80 22932037
+91 80 22932038
Mobile: +91 82960 38386
Email: office.iptel@iisc.ac.in
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