The Technological Implications of Superconductivity in the Next Decade

Abstract

Before I address myself to the questions implied by the rather awe-inspiring title the organizers of this course have assigned me, I would like to issue a disclaimer. I am not now and never have been a card-carrying prophet or seer. By saying that, I hope to forestall any future reminders that I said something perfectly ridiculous here. (Of course, I reserve the right to call attention to my farsightedness in case anything I say actually turns out to be correct.) The actual development of superconducting technology during the next decade will be determined as much by unpredictable factors like the health of the national economy and the actions of the planners who operate within it, or the possible appearance of another Brian Josephson, or a room temperature superconductor, as by the scientific and technological knowledge we have today. Nevertheless, one can discern some interesting developments and possibilities. I would like to discuss these in terms of the following questions: (1) What knowledge and demonstrated capabilities in the field of superconductivity do we now have? There are some pertinent collateral questions here, such as: Who are “we”? Where are “we”? Who has supported our work?

“Why does this magnificent applied science, which saves work and makes life easier, bring us so little happiness? The simple answer runs:—because we have not yet learned to make a sensible use of it.........” — A. Einstein, Address to the Student Body, California Institute of Technology, 2/16/31.