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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and
to the use of our report dated February 25, 2000, with respect to the financial
statements and schedule of Illinois Superconductor Corporation incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333- ) and
related Prospectus of Illinois Superconductor Corporation for the registration
of ____________ shares of its common stock, ______________ shares of preferred
stock, and ______________ warrants to purchase its common stock or preferred
stock.


          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP



         Chicago, Illinois

         January 9, 2001