Superconducting materials for fusion reactors: A brief review

The introduction of high-temperature superconductors and, in particular, cuprate oxides such as REBa2Cu3O7–δ (where RE = Y, lanthanides) has led to developments in applied physics and technology. These materials have high technological potential for more economical, smaller magnetically confined fusion reactors due to the high field strengths. The introduction of high-temperature superconductors in the form of tapes in fusion reactors is not technologically trivial as these reactors eject high-energy neutrons that can damage the material and hinder its operation. In the present review, we consider the technological issues that need to be addressed for the implementation of REBa2Cu3O7–δ in fusion reactors.