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Even though the physics behind superconductors is not fully understood, they are currently being used in several devices. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an example of one such device in use at vast number of hospitals. Superconductors in the MRI device are used to create a very large focused magnetic field. When the field penetrates a human body, it penetrates the nuclei of countless hydrogen atoms. Each hydrogen nuclei has its' own spin and the field disrupts the spin creating a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) which is detected by the MRI device. This data is fed through a computer and translated into a graphical image. The movie on the right is an MRI taken of a 47 day old human embryo. (1,2) |
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There are many potential uses for superconductors, each with a different application of the technology. Chip designers are attempting to integrate superconductive materials into microchips in order to reduce the resistance in the circuit. A reduction of resistance would cause a dramatic boost in computational speed. Projects are also underway to create high speed trains that hover above the track. Power companies would greatly benefit from the use of superconductors because a large percentage of the power supplied is lost in transit. Superconductors would nearly eliminate all of the lost power. (1) There are innumerable uses for superconductors, making them and invaluable resource. |
 (http://www.rtri.or.jp/rd/maglev/jpeg/magcg_m.jpg) |
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