Feasibility of Cost Effective, Long Length, BSCCO 2212 Round Wires, for Very High Field Magnets, Beyond 12 Tesla at 4.2 Kelvin

70375S02-II Researchers continue to make progress toward the cost/performance goal for the metal oxide superconductors needed for high energy physics research. This project will forward this progress through the synthesis and integration of sub-micron and even nano-ceramic powders, combined with the development and demonstration of advanced thermo-mechanical processing of the superconductor/silver composite.¿ In Phase I, BSCCO 2212 metal oxide superconductor powders were prepared with varying tap densities using a particle-size-modification technique. Using these powders and new thermo-mechanical process techniques, metal oxide superconductor/silver composite wires were produced and tested at 4.2 Kelvin, yielding 316 amp/mm2 at 12 Tesla. In Phase II, the processes developed in Phase I will be scaled-up to produce prototype-scale metal oxide superconductor/silver composite wires in lengths up to 1 km. In addition, process improvements designed to improve yield, reliability, and performance will be evaluated, and manufacturing feasibility will be assessed. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The product should result in very high field magnets for high energy physics research and may also have application to ceramic superconductors in the larger market of medical MRI.