Category: Program

The ASC 2026 program committee is organizing a series of special sessions which will be of interest to various attendees, including engineers/scientists, system-level developers, and industry-level representatives. These sessions will feature both special invited presentations and contributed talks.

In addition, ASC 2026 will be holding memorial sessions to honor remarkable individuals who made significant contributions to the field of applied superconductivity but have since passed away.

Please refer to the list of special and memorial sessions below.

ASC 2026 JOINT SPECIAL SESSIONS

40 Years of Cuprate Superconductors: Achievements, Challenges and Future Perspectives

This joint special session celebrates the 40^th anniversary of the discovery of cuprate superconductors, a landmark breakthrough that transformed the landscape of condensed matter physics and materials science and enabled major advances in superconducting technologies. The session aims to bring together researchers, industry leaders, and technologists to reflect on the remarkable progress achieved over the past four decades and to envision the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Leading experts will review key milestones, including materials development pathways that have enabled cuprates to evolve from fundamental research toward industrial-scale production, advances in electronic devices, and the growing potential for large-scale applications. Speakers will discuss the scientific challenges that have been overcome, the remaining barriers that limit broader deployment, and the emerging niches where cuprate superconductors can deliver significant technological impact.

The session will conclude with a forward-looking and provocative discussion highlighting priorities for the coming years aimed at identifying strategies to accelerate innovation and application. This anniversary provides a timely opportunity to reflect on the legacy of cuprates and to shape a shared vision for their continued contribution to science and society

Organized by: Teresa Puig (ICMAB-CSIC) and Rochelle Qu (University of California-Riverside), and David Larbalestier (NHMFL/FSU)

HTS Standards

The session objective is the initiation of a long-term effort to develop the community-accepted HTS property definitions and test methods that will be eventually accumulated as the 61788 IEC Standards.

Organized by: Michael Parizh (GE Healthcare) & Ziad Melhelm (Oxford Quantum Solutions)

HTS Tapes in Coil Systems: Performance Requirements and Practical Limitations

In the expanding field of high-temperature superconductor (HTS) tape applications, coil technologies impose particularly demanding requirements on tape performance. Key factors include consistent critical current along the entire tape length, uniform geometrical and intrinsic properties, and the availability of long, defect-free lengths. Electro-mechanical performance is especially critical, as HTS tapes must withstand various types of applied stress—such as delamination, hoop, and compressive stress, as well as combinations of these.

Thermal stability and quench protection are also widely discussed within the HTS community. Alongside these challenges, reliable joint technologies for connecting individual tapes or HTS cables remain essential for coil systems, whether in compact high-field magnets, large fusion devices, or accelerator coils. For accelerator applications, mitigating AC losses is a key issue that must be addressed to enable the practical adoption of HTS tapes.

Because HTS tapes must operate within a structural environment, the properties of the surrounding materials must also be carefully evaluated. These considerations, together with comprehensive modelling of the entire assembly, are essential for designing a reliable coil architecture.

In this special session, these topics are addressed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current status and practical limitations of HTS tapes for coils applications.

Organized by: Nadezda Bagrets (KIT) and Arend Nijhuis (University of Twente)

Radiation Issues for Superconducting Fusion Magnets

Nuclear fusion based on magnetically confined plasma has attracted renewed interest because of the urgent need for renewable, emission free energy sources. The commercial availability of HTS wires is key for the development of affordable fusion reactors because of their ability to generate large fields leading to a higher power density in the plasma that enables more compact reactor designs. However, a compact design leads to a high radiation load and challenges the materials surrounding the plasma, in particular the superconductors of the toroidal magnet system. This special session aims at giving an overview on the current knowledge about the expected radiation environment, the induced damage and the resulting changes of the properties of the used materials.

Organized by: Michael Eisterer (TU Wien, Atominstitut) and Soren Prestemon (LBNL)

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ASC 2026 ELECTRONICS SPECIAL SESSIONS

40 Years of High-Tc Electronics – In Memory of Robert C. Dynes

The year 2026 marks forty years since the discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in YBa₂Cu₃O₇₋ₓ (YBCO), an achievement that transformed the landscape of superconducting electronics. Over these four decades, remarkable progress has been made in developing high-Tc junctions, SQUIDs, and hybrid systems that continue to push the boundaries of performance and application. This session will celebrate the history and evolution of high-Tc electronics, from early breakthroughs to emerging frontiers, and explore where the field may be headed in the next generation of devices and applications.

The session is dedicated to the memory of Robert C. Dynes, whose pioneering research and lifelong support for high-Tc superconductivity have inspired generations of scientists and engineers working in superconducting electronics.

Organized by: Ethan Cho (Northrop Grumman) and Han Cai (University of Maryland)

Applications of SQUIDs from Biomedical Imaging to Geophysical Measurements

Superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) remain the most sensitive magnetic flux sensors available, finding applications across an extraordinary range of scientific and industrial fields. This session will highlight how SQUID technology continues to advance and diversify — from biomedical imaging and brain mapping to geophysical surveys for mineral exploration or geotechnical applications, nondestructive evaluation, and precision materials characterization.

Topics include any applications of SQUIDs, such as biomedical instrumentation (MEG, ULF-MRI), geophysical measurements (e.g., exploration for minerals, oil and gas, geothermal reservoirs), environmental and materials sensing, and emerging uses in navigation, metrology, non-destructive evaluation, and quantum-limited detection. Presentations will emphasize innovations in device design, cryogenic integration, and noise reduction that expand SQUID performance into new domains and environments.

Organized by: Ronny Stolz (Leipniz IPHT) and Sabu Tanaka (Toyohashi University of Technology)

Artificial Intelligence Enabled by Superconducting Electronics

Artificial intelligence is driving an unprecedented demand for computing power. As models grow larger and more complex, conventional semiconductor technology is reaching its limits in both speed and energy efficiency. Superconducting electronics offers a fundamentally different approach to meeting these challenges. With nearly lossless interconnects, picosecond switching, and cryogenic operation, these systems have the potential to deliver extremely high performance while consuming only a fraction of the power required by traditional processors.

This session will examine how superconducting digital and optoelectronic technologies could form the foundation of future AI hardware. Topics include neuromorphic architectures, cryogenic computing platforms, superconducting logic for AI acceleration, and hybrid systems that combine superconducting and semiconductor technologies. The session will provide a forum to discuss where the field stands today, what technical and engineering barriers remain, and how superconducting electronics might ultimately enable scalable, energy-efficient artificial intelligence.

Organized by: Elie Track (IEEE CSC/nVizix) and Olivia Chen (Tokyo City University)

Flux Trapping and Mitigation Strategies in Superconducting Digital Electronics

Flux trapping remains a fundamental challenge in the design and fabrication of large-scale superconducting digital electronics. Magnetic vortices trapped during cooldown or device operation can introduce variability, excess noise, and logic failure in complex circuits. This session will examine the mechanisms of flux trapping in superconducting thin films and junction structures, and highlight recent advances in device design, fabrication, and layout strategies that mitigate or control these effects.

Topics of interest include the characterization of flux-trapping modes, fabrication-process optimization, geometric and material design for improved flux resilience, and new imaging and diagnostic techniques for visualizing trapped flux and vortex dynamics. Simulation and modeling approaches that connect device physics to circuit performance are also encouraged.

Organized by: Nobuyuki Yoshikawa (Yokohama National University) and Igor Vernik (Seeqc, Inc.)

Interfacing Qubits with Superconducting Digital Logic

A major challenge in scaling superconducting quantum computing is the complexity of interconnects required for control, readout, and feedback as the number of qubits grows. Traditional wiring architectures limit scalability, while room-temperature electronics impose bandwidth and thermal constraints. Superconducting digital logic offers a promising path forward by enabling fast, low-power, cryogenic signal processing and routing directly adjacent to the qubit plane.

This session focuses on circuit- and system-level strategies for integrating superconducting digital electronics with quantum devices. Topics include cryogenic control interfaces, multiplexed readout architectures, SFQ-based signal generation and routing, co-fabricated quantum–classical chips, and hybrid system designs that reduce lead count while maintaining high fidelity.

Organized by: Oleg Mukhanov (Seeqc, Inc.) and Mike Hamilton (Google)

Ion Beams in Superconducting Device Fabrication

Ion Beams in Superconducting Device Fabrication Ion beams have become a powerful and versatile tool in the micro- and nanofabrication of superconducting devices. Focused ion beam (FIB) milling, gas-assisted deposition, and ion irradiation enable patterning and property tuning with nanometer precision, offering pathways for engineering Josephson junctions, nanowires, and hybrid superconducting structures beyond the
limits of conventional lithography.

This session will highlight recent progress in ion-based fabrication of superconducting devices, with emphasis on reproducible junction formation, nanoscale patterning, and controlled defect engineering. Topics include irradiation-induced superconducting-to-normal transitions, localized amorphization and regrowth, ion-beam-assisted material modification, and direct-write metallization for circuit prototyping.

Organized by: Jay LeFebvre (University of California) and Wolfgang Lang (University of Vienna)

TES Workshop

The TES (Transition-Edge Sensor) Workshop, a long-standing tradition at ASC, provides a focused forum for presenting, discussing, and synthesizing advances in superconducting detector technologies. Transition-edge sensors, operating in the sharp resistive transition between their superconducting and normal states, are exquisitely sensitive to energy deposition, making them central to cutting-edge applications such as cosmic microwave background (CMB) measurements, X-ray and gamma spectroscopy, quantum information systems, and rare event searches.

Since its incorporation into ASC in 2008, the workshop has expanded to include related detector technologies (e.g. kinetic inductance detectors, magnetic calorimeters, and hot-electron bolometers) that share design, readout, or physics overlaps with TES systems. This session will cover device physics, readout techniques, fabrication strategies, system integration, and new application frontiers.

We invite contributors to present original work on TES design, performance, multiplexing architectures, module integration, cryogenic instrumentation, and application-driven deployment. The goal is to promote cross-community dialogue, identify challenges and opportunities, and chart the roadmap for next-generation superconducting detector systems.

Organized by: Paul Szypryt (NIST), Shannon Duff (NIST), Douglas Bennett (NIST), Kaja Rotermund (LBNL), Johanna Nagy (Case Western), and Thomas Cecil (ANL)

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ASC 2026 LARGE SCALE SPECIAL SESSIONS

Conduction-Cooled Superconducting Applications: Is there a Practical Limit?

This session will explore whether current demonstrations and plans indicate that cryocoolers can effectively operate at temperatures above 4.2 K. It will also consider the challenges of deploying these systems in environments where power and resources are limited.

Organized by: Michael Green (LBNL)

Electrical Integrity in Large-Scale Devices

Research on the impact of insulation on superconducting magnets and power applications will be presented. This includes current findings and lessons learned that often receive insufficient attention as we focus primarily on superconducting materials and cryogenics, while dielectrics are considered to a lesser extent.

Organized by: Roland Piccin (CERN)

HL-LHC IT STRING:  A Key Milestone towards New Accelerators Paving the Road of New Technologies

The High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) demands a new generation of accelerator technologies, components, and integration strategies. This special session presents a coherent overview of the full development chain: from early R&D to final products, for several key systems The selected contributions illustrate how innovative concepts have been matured, validated, and transformed into deployable solutions through extensive prototyping, qualification campaigns, and system-level evaluations.

A central element of this pathway is the HL-LHC IT String, the first global integration test reproducing the full cryogenic, powering, protection, and control environment of the HL-LHC Inner Triplet. By bringing together components produced by multiple institutes and industries, the IT String provides an essential demonstration of performance, reliability, and operational readiness in conditions representative of the final machine. The session highlights how the results obtained in this integrated test confirm the maturity of the technologies presented and mark a decisive milestone toward installation in the HL-LHC.

Beyond validating HL-LHC hardware, these achievements also establish methods, technologies, and manufacturing approaches that will be crucial for next-generation accelerators. Together, the talks offer a comprehensive perspective on how coordinated R&D, industrialization, and system integration pave the road toward future high-performance accelerator infrastructures.

Organized by: Marta Bajko (CERN)

Next Generation Magnets for Fusion: Is 20 K a Magic Temperature?

Many applications are converging around the 20 K temperature point. What makes this temperature significant from a performance standpoint? Are there benefits to using liquid hydrogen instead of cold helium gas that are worth exploring?

Organized by: Valentina Corato (ENEA), Charlie Sanabria (CFS), and Nicolò Riva (Proxima Fusion)

HTS Magnets for NMR and MRI

Benefits, prospects, and challenges of HTS MRI, HTS NMR; Current technology development and commercial demonstrations with discussion of long-term prospects of ReBCO applications for MRI and NMR. Discussing the applications and advancements of ReBCO (Rare Earth Barium Copper Oxide) in the field of MRI and NMR magnets.

Organized by: Anbo Wu (GE Healthcare) and Robert Herzog (Bruker)

Superconducting Machines for Aircraft Propulsion – In Memory of Gerald V. Brown

This session memorializes Dr. Gerald V. Brown and his dedication to developing superconducting electric machines for producing thrust in future commercial aircraft. During his 65-year career at NASA Glenn Research Center, Gerry invented the magnetic heat pump, contributed to the Apollo and space shuttle programs, and spent over 20 years advancing superconducting machines, guiding the development of low AC loss superconductors, and conceptualizing superconducting propulsion systems. Gerry was one of the three originators of NASA’s N3-X turboelectric, hybrid-wing-body concept aircraft.

This session will showcase the progress on low AC loss superconductors, cryogenic armatures, and superconducting machines that has and is continuing to be made for aircraft propulsion as well as Gerry’s impact on the people and technology in this field.

Organized by: Justin Scheidler (NASA Glenn Research Center) and Thanatheepan Balachandran (Hinetics, Inc.)

Transforming Energy Systems: of Superconductivity in Future Power Grids and Transportation

Superconductivity is an enabling technology for many sectors in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power. The value proposition for its utilization can be high especially for propulsion applications where mass and system efficiency are critical factors; however, has had many challenges since the discovery of high temperature superconductors. There has been an increase in its utilization across electrical networks in both stationary and transportation environments and this session will provide a forum to highlight current efforts and future utilization of superconductivity in grid and transportation applications.

Organized by: Robert Duckworth (ORNL) and Timothy Haugan (U.S. AFRL, retired)

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ASC 2026 MATERIALS SPECIAL SESSIONS

20 Years Anniversary of Iron Based Superconductors

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the discovery of the iron-based superconductor LaFePO. Iron-based superconductors exhibit critical temperatures, T_c, second only to those of cuprate superconductors under ambient pressure and have attracted sustained attention for both fundamental research and practical applications. In recent years, the development of iron-based superconducting wires has advanced rapidly, with performance exceeding that of Bi-based counterparts. At the same time, challenges remain, such as the inclusion of arsenic (As) as a constituent element. To commemorate the 20^th anniversary of iron-based superconductivity, this symposium will provide a forum to share current understanding of their properties, advances in performance, and prospects for applications. In addition to invited talks, a panel discussion will be held to address the remaining issues and explore future directions toward practical utilization.

Organized by: Kazumasa Iida (Nihon University) and Valeria Braccini (CNR-SPIN)

Data-Driven Approaches for Next-Generation Superconducting Materials Research

Data-driven and machine-learning-assisted methods are rapidly transforming the discovery, design, optimization, synthesis, and characterization of superconducting materials. This special session highlights recent advances in data-driven approaches for next-generation superconducting materials, featuring prominent researchers working in this rapidly developing area of research. The format will include short invited talks and a panel discussion on future directions, data quality and reproducibility, and challenges of deploying data-driven workflows in superconducting materials research.

Organized by: Mark Ainslie (King’s College London) and Akiyasu Yamamoto (Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology)

Remembering Robert Hammond: A Tribute to His Contributions to the Superconductivity Community

This session memorializes Dr. Robert (Bob) Hammond and his remarkable career in applied superconductivity. Speakers will highlight Bob’s creativity in developing and applying advance thin-film deposition to increasingly  complex materials, his major scientific contributions from his early career onward, and his seminal work on ReBCO coated conductors. The session will also reflect on Bob’s impact as a mentor and conclude with perspectives on the future inspired by his legacy. Bob received his B.S. in 1953 and his Ph.D. in 1960 in Physics from University of California, Berkeley. He worked at General Atomics from 1960 to 1968, and later at UC Berkeley 1968-1971 as a Lecturer. In 1971 he joined Stanford University where he enjoyed the remainder of his career. His career interests spanned many different areas of science and technology with the goal of making practical superconducting materials, especially thin films. His seminal contributions included work on amorphous superconductors, A15 compounds, high-temperature cuprate superconductors (HTS), as well as other novel superconducting materials. He pioneered a new scientific field in Ion Beam Assisted Deposition (IBAD) for thin film crystal alignment, a breakthrough that enabled the practical application of HTS tapes. In 2018, he was awarded IEEE James Wong Award for Continuing and Significant Contributions to Applied Superconductor Materials Technology. Bob was the author or co-author of over 1,000 scientific articles and held numerous patents.

Many generations of Stanford University graduate students and postdocs benefitted greatly from Bob’s mentorship in the lab. His dedication and example inspired them to pursue science at a critical stage in their careers. He thrived in the laboratory environment, working side by side with younger colleagues and guiding them with his patience, generosity, and passion. Bob was a humble person with big bold visions – an inspiring combination that left a lasting mark on all who knew him.

Organized by: Vladimir Matias (iBeam Materials, Inc.) and Malcolm Beasley (Stanford University)

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