Technological applications of superconductivity

Some technological innovations benefiting from the discovery of superconductivity include sensitive magnetometers based on SQUIDs, digital circuits (including those based on Josephson junctions and rapid single-flux quantum technology), Magnetic Resonance Imaging, beam-steering magnets in particle accelerators, power cables, and microwave filters (e.g., for mobile phone base stations). Promising future industrial and commercial applications include transformers, power storage, motors, and magnetic levitation devices. Most applications employ the well-understood conventional superconductors, but it is expected that high-temperature superconductors will soon become more cost-effective in many cases.