High Performance Nb₃Sn (Ta) by Tin Enrichment and Increased Filament Content--Superconducting Systems, Inc., 90 Rumford Avenue, Waltham, MA 02453; 781-642-6702
Dr. Shahin Pourrahimi, Principal Investigator
Dr. Shahin Pourrahimi, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-99ER82898
Amount: $600,000

The construction of next generation particle accelerators for high energy physics require that Nb₃Sn superconductors exhibit unprecedented performance and a substantial cost reduction. In order to meet these needs, this project will develop an innovative route to the fabrication of high-tin (Sn) content, bronze matrix wire with niobium-tantalum (Nb(Ta)) filaments. The high Sn content will allow for increased filament content within the wire and lead to Sn-rich Nb₃Sn (Ta) filaments with high performance. During Phase I, a novel and economical approach to Nb₃ Sn wire fabrication was demonstrated by fabricating high performance Nb₃Sn (Ta) wires produced by tin enrichment with increased filament content. A non-copper critical current density of 2100 A/mm2 at 15T and 4.2K was achieved. In Phase II, the wire fabrication technology will be scaled up, wires for both high-critical-current density and low AC losses will be designed, and high current Nb₃ Sn cables will be fabricated.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The Nb₃Sn (Ta) superconductors should find application in next generation particle accelerators, energy storage, fusion reactors, and in NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) magnets.