Method and apparatus for producing tape superconductors

A method and apparatus for producing elongated tape superconductors, preferably of an A-15 type compound superconductor, are provided wherein a molten bead or beads of the superconducting compound or elements thereof are formed and wiped onto a moving substrate forming one or more films of a thickness in a range from abut 1/2 mil to 2 mils, the molten bead or beads being replenished or kept at a substantially constant volume by continually feeding wire feedstock into close proximity of the substrate, where a laser heat source melts the tip of the advancing wire or an arc is struck between two tips of advancing wires to form the bead or beads. Additional on-line heating of the deposited film or films is optionally provided to promote diffusion within and between films, and a laser tracking system may optionally be employed to monitor and control the thickness of the film or films deposited and the continuity of the film or films.