Application potential of Fe-based superconductors

In this paper we report basic properties of iron-based superconductors and review the latest achievements in the fabrication of conductors based on these materials. We compare state-of-the-art results with performances obtained with low- T c and high- T c technical superconductors, evidencing in particular the most significant differences with respect to high- T c cuprate coated conductors. Although the optimization of preparation procedures is yet to be established, a potential range of applications for iron-based superconductors in the high field low temperature regime can be envisaged, where they may become competitors to RE-123 coated conductors.