Niobium Tin Conductors for High Energy Physics, Fusion, MRI and NMR Applications Made by Different Techniques

Abstract

Niobium tin was one of the first superconductors to be made into relatively small high field magnets forty-six years ago. Conductors made from it are widely used for a range of different applications and development efforts are still being carried out to improve properties and reduce costs. The paper describes some of the work being carried out by the authors to make such improved conductors for fusion, high-energy physics and other applications. Three different types of niobium-tin conductors are described: 1. Low loss material with modest current density for fusion magnets. 2. High current density, higher loss material for high field high energy physics magnets. 3. Tubular type, low cost material with intermediate current density and small subelement size that could have application in a wide range of different magnets. Some of the advantages and drawbacks of each type of conductor are described together with illustrative properties.