Michael McElroy HSC Physics

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Superconductors are used in the operation of MRI machines because

they can generate large magnetic fields (4 teslas) without energy
losses. These magnetic fields can be produced with enough
separation between the poles for people to fit in. This imaging is
particularly useful to produce images of soft tissue in a non-invasive
and non-destructive way.

Power transmission

With the use of superconductors to transmit electricity, energy

losses would be eliminated as there would be no resistance in the
wires. This would mean DC could be used instead of AC because the
constant direction switching in AC causes energy losses and heating.
This also means power plants, with their environmental problems,
could built well away from populated areas

Power generation

Power generation would benefit greatly from superconductors as

generators would be much more efficient and smaller. Less fossil
fuel would be required to produce electricity which would reduce the
emissions of greenhouse gases form power plants.

Electronics

Electronics, especially computers would benefit greatly from

superconductors as there would energy losses from resistance,
something which inhibits the speeds of computers. Superconductors
would allow for an increase in speed and miniaturisation of
computer chips, with electronic switches being sent much faster
from superconducting switching.

Superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID)

SQUIDs are a superconducting instrument that measures tiny

magnetic fluxes that generate electrical impulses in a device. This
ability can be put to use for medical diagnostics as doctors can
measure the minute changes in magnetic field caused by nerve
impulses in the brain or heart.
Michael McElroy HSC Physics