'Scientist of April', Professor Seung-Yong Han Sets 'World Record' with High-Temperature Superconducting Magnet

Ministry of Science and ICT: "Strengthening Competitiveness of Electrical and Electronic-Based Industries, Enhancing International Status of Superconducting Magnet Research"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] The Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation announced on the 31st that Professor Han Seung-yong of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Seoul National University has been selected as the April recipient of the ‘Scientist of the Month’ award for developing an ultra-compact, ultra-lightweight insulated-free high-temperature superconducting magnet.

The Ministry of Science and ICT selects one researcher each month who has contributed to the advancement of science and technology through outstanding research and development achievements, awarding them the Minister’s Award and a prize of 10 million KRW.

Professor Han was recognized for developing an ultra-compact, ultra-lightweight insulated-free high-temperature superconducting magnet, achieving a world record in DC magnetic field strength, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the electrical and electronic-based industries and elevating the international status of superconducting magnet research.

High-temperature superconducting magnets utilize the phenomenon of high-temperature superconductivity, where electrical resistance drops to zero at relatively high temperatures, allowing the transmission of large currents without loss. Since its discovery in 1986, it has been used in large electric propulsion systems for aircraft and ships, diagnostic MRI and new drug development analysis equipment, and renewable energy storage devices.

However, the quench phenomenon, where superconducting properties suddenly disappear causing the high-temperature superconducting magnet to burn out, was a significant problem. Scientists attempted to solve this by inserting insulators between tape-shaped superconducting wires, but this made the magnets too large and heavy and increased costs, making commercialization difficult.

Cover of the international journal Nature featuring the paper on high-temperature superconducting magnets developed by Professor Han Seung-yong of Seoul National University.

In 2019, Professor Han, together with a U.S. research team, developed the world’s first insulated-free high-temperature superconducting magnet. They developed an ultra-compact, ultra-lightweight superconducting magnet that reduced size and weight to 1/100 compared to the world’s best existing superconducting magnet (total weight 35 tons), and surpassed the 44.6 Tesla (T) DC magnetic field record that had stood for over 20 years by achieving a new record of 45.5 Tesla, proving both performance and stability.

The insulated-free high-temperature superconducting magnet developed by Professor Han measures only 34 mm in diameter and 53 mm in length, smaller than a mobile phone. However, it is designed with more than 50 times the energy density compared to existing magnets, efficiently generating ultra-high magnetic fields, enabling various industrial applications.

This research was highly acclaimed, being featured on the main page of the Nature journal and website on June 13, 2019. The U.S. nuclear fusion venture company MIT-CFS has paid royalties for Professor Han’s patent and is developing next-generation ultra-compact nuclear fusion devices. Recently, international competition for insulated-free superconducting magnets has intensified, especially among advanced countries.

Professor Han stated, “This research is significant as it demonstrates the excellence of insulated-free high-temperature superconducting technology, which is regarded as a paradigm shift in superconducting magnets,” adding, “High magnetic field magnet technology is a fundamental technology widely used in electrical devices, and it is expected to be applied in various fields such as bio, medical, energy, transportation, environment, and defense.”

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