Superconducting, metallurgical and synthesis properties of Nb3Ga

We present a review of the superconducting, metallurgical and synthesis properties of Nb
3
Ga which are important for its potential application. The superconducting properties to be discussed are T
c
, H
c2
(T) and the dc critical current J
c
(H). Special metallurgical features of the Nb-Ga system which put severe constraints on synthesis techniques of potential practical importance for this material are discussed. Superconductivity data for materials synthesized by the techniques of quenching and annealing, chemical vapor deposition and vacuum co-evaporation are reviewed. Recent results on the effects of radiation damage and its recovery by annealing are reviewed.