High-temperature superconductors - processing and applications. Pt. 2

This article gives a brief survey over those fields in which thick films, shaped bodies and conductors on the basis of high-temperature superconductors may find use. Envisaged are especially various power applications. Among the short-term devices, current limiters and current leads have to be mentioned. Concerning the development of wires for cables or magnets, generators and transformers work still concentrates on the increase of critical-current densities, on the preparation of greater lengths and on the improvement of mechanical properties. On the other hand, the performance of bulk samples allows already to test them in prototypes for magnetic bearings. Furthermore, they may also be used for permanent magnts. Magnetic shields have previously become commercially available. Finally, up to now the deployment of components for field conditioning or of thick films for high frequency device e.g. cavities can hardly be predicted. (orig.)