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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" the
Registration Statement (File No. 333-XXXXX) and the related Prospectus of
Illinois Superconductor Corporation for the registration of 3,440,526 shares of
its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report
dated February 25, 2000, with respect to the financial statements and schedule
of Illinois Superconductor Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K)
for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.



                                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                                           ---------------------


Chicago, Illinois
September 6, 2000

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