  We present a perspective on a new critical-current-by-design paradigm to
tailor and enhance the current-carrying capacity of applied superconductors.
Critical current by design is based on large-scale simulations of vortex matter
pinning in high-temperature superconductors and has qualitative and
quantitative predictive powers to elucidate vortex dynamics under realistic
conditions and to propose vortex pinning defects that could enhance the
critical current, particularly at high magnetic fields. The simulations are
validated with controlled experiments and demonstrate a powerful tool for
designing high-performance superconductors for targeted applications.
