High temperature superconducting vector switch

A summary of previous results of a high temperature superconducting switch based on the principle of the Superconducting Vector Switch (SVS) is discussed. This switch exploits the anisotropy in electrical conductivities of the high temperature superconductors. Underlying the SVS mechanism is the ability to turn on/off large superconducting currents confined to the CuO/sub 2/ planes using lower currents flowing normal to the planes. Recent results using induced pulse currents to turn on/off the switch are discussed.