Cheaper MRI Units Top List of Superconductivity Breakthroughs

Inexpensive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) units, super-fast Internet routers, and high-capacity power lines top the list of likely breakthroughs in the field of superconductivity in 2007, according to a "Top-10” forecast list by Elie K. Track, Ph.D., senior partner, Hypres, Inc. (Elmsford, NY, USA), a leading developer of superconducting microelectronics technology.

Dr. Track compiled the list of expected breakthroughs through comprehensive industry research, conversations with numerous scientific experts around the world, and through his work at Hypres. The list was developed in an effort to pull together information on the wide variety of superconductivity projects worldwide and begin a dialog about the innovative developments and breakthrough applications that are well positioned to occur next year.

"In my conversations with many respected colleagues, I continue to hear about new and exciting applications and breakthroughs that are likely to take place in 2007, largely because of the involvement of superconductor-based technologies,” said Dr. Track. "I thought it would be useful to pull all these together into one list so we can truly realize and appreciate the profound impact that superconductivity will have on various industries, the scientific community, and the average person in the coming year.”

Topping the list is an expected breakthrough announcement of laboratory demonstrations that can lead to (or, of a design for) an advanced, low-cost MRI unit that leverages superconducting technology. Eventually, this will make it easier and cheaper to screen for many serious medical disorders, such as breast cancer and brain tumors. By using tiny magnetic fields, these sophisticated MRI units will also work in a more open environment, easing concerns for claustrophobic patients.

Hypres develops and commercializes superconductor microelectronics (SME) that provide economic and performance advantages for defense and commercial wireless markets, and a host of other applications.



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