Second-generation high-temperature superconducting cables for large-current and high-field applications

Second-generation high-temperature superconducting tapes offer advantages such as high critical temperature, high upper critical field, high critical current density, and high irreversible field. Their operational temperature and magnetic field ranges surpass those of other superconducting materials, endowing REBCO (REBa₂Cu₃O₇, RE=Y, rare earth element) tapes with immense potential for numerous high-power, high-magnetic-field applications. This paper outlines key challenges and progress in advancing REBCO high-temperature superconducting tapes toward practical applications, including artificial pinning center modulation and the thickening of high-performance superconducting layers. It also details applications of high-temperature superconducting cables and cable-in-conduit (CICC) conductors based on the REBCO high-temperature superconducting tapes.