The History of Superconductivity at Furukawa Electric

Commenced R&D on low-temperature superconductivity.

Began industrial production of NbTi multi-filamentary wire.

First in the world to manufacture ultrafine multi-filamentary wires of V₃Ga and Nb₃Sn.

Constructed a large-scale accelerator, developed model coils for nuclear fusion research, conducted superconducting generator demonstration tests and participated in other large-scale projects in Japan and abroad.

Commenced R&D into high-temperature superconductivity.

First in the world to deliver cables for detectors of CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Received the Golden Hadron Award from CERN in recognition of this achievement^(note)

Performed field test on 500 m superconducting cable, the longest in the world at the time, at the Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (NEDO “Project for R&D of Fundamental Technologies for Superconducting AC Power Equipment ”).

Achieved the world's lowest transmission loss through application of ultrafine wire processing technology and cable forming technology that reduces perpendicular magnetic field (NEDO “Project for the Development of a Technological Base for the Application of Superconductivity”).

Developed the world's highest voltage 275kV superconducting cable, capable of transmitting the power of a thermal power plant through a single cable.

Completed delivery of Nb₃Sn conductors for the CS coil for JT60SA (nuclear fusion experimental reactor).

Acquired “SuperPower, Inc.”

CERN announced the discovery of a new particle consistent with the “Higgs boson.” Our superconducting cables were extensively used in LHC particle accelerator that facilitated this discovery, making a significant contribution.

Special Issue: “Furukawa Electric’s Technology in the Discovery of the Higgs Boson!”(PDF 972KB)

Peter Higgs and François Englert received the Nobel Prize in Physics for predicting the Higgs boson, the particle that gives mass to matter.

Commercialized Nb₃Sn cables resistant to deformation and suitable for react & wind use.

Received orders of Nb₃Sn cables for ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor).

Completed demonstration facility for next-generation flywheel energy storage systems.

Completed delivery of Nb₃Sn cables for ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor).

Furukawa Electric strengthened partnership with Tokamak Energy to advance nuclear fusion energy.