Development of RE-Ba-Cu-O superconductors in the U.S. for ultra-high field magnets

Abstract

High-temperature superconductors (HTS) make it possible to achieve magnetic fields beyond the 23.5 T limit of low-temperature superconductors (LTS). For higher energy density, high-performance HTS with Je > 1000 A/mm2 enable reduction in coil winding length and a smaller magnet size. Among HTS, REBa2Cu3O7-δ (REBCO, RE = rare earth) exhibits excellent mechanical properties and superior performance over a wide range of temperatures and magnetic fields. REBCO tapes can be converted to various formats, including round wires. The state-of-the-art REBCO superconductors for ultra-high field magnets, including cable/wire architectures, are reviewed. R&D needs to address remaining challenges with REBCO superconductors for ultra-high magnetic field applications are discussed.

Cuprate superconductors for nuclear fusion: shining light on imperfections

“…However, it turned out that fabricating usable wires from these extremely brittle materials is very challenging. After more than three decades of research and development, rare earth barium copper oxide (REBCO) coated conductors are the most prominent state-of-the-art magnetic field coil wires [11][12][13][14][15]. REBCO-coated conductors are fabricated by depositing a superconducting thin film (REBCO) with a thickness of approximately 1 µm on a metal band.…”

Advances in second-generation high-temperature superconducting tapes and their applications in high-field magnets

“…At present, the quench detection technology of HTS magnets is still in the exploratory stage based on the detection technology of LTS magnets. The problems faced by HTS magnet quench detection mainly include the existence of lag time in the detection voltage signal, difficulty in detecting weak voltage signals after quench, and the lack of theoretical model analysis and quench experimental data for large HTS magnets [138,139] .…”

Development and testing of a three-period, subsize 2G AIMI MgB2 planar undulator

“…High-temperature superconductors (HTS) such as BSCCO [13] and ReBCO [14,15] have good high-temperature performance but they are expensive. They are mostly fabricated as tapes (except Bi:2212), and the winding of undulators using a tape is a less desirable option than wire winding.…”

“…Also, HTSC coils (and by extension HTSC based undulators) are challenging to protect. On the other hand, Magnesium diboride (MgB 2 ), with a critical temperature of 39 K [15], has numerous advantages; it is easy to draw into wires and much less expensive than HTS [16]. Recently developed 2nd generation (2 G) MgB 2 wires are promising candidates for SCUs [17][18][19].…”