Ultrasensitive, Portable Isotope Ratio Analyzer

65411 The high energy physics community requires the development of superconducting wires for use in magnets that generate magnetic fields of 15T and above. Currently, Nb3Sn is the only commercially available superconductor capable of operating at such high fields. Powder-In-Tube (PIT) Nb3Sn conductor has shown attractive performance and good strain resistance. However, cost is a major drawback, particularly powder costs. This program seeks to reduce the cost of the PIT process. This project will investigate alternative powder fabrication routes for NbSn2 powder for eventual application in PIT Nb3Sn conductor development. These alternative processing routes have the promise of producing high quality powder in a single step and at greatly reduced cost. Phase I will investigate several different fabrication approaches: melt diffusion, chemical solution precipitation, and nanophase composite powder. They will be evaluated with regard to practicality, quality of product, scalability, and especially cost. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: A low cost multifilamentary Nb3Sn superconducting wire with high current carrying capacities in high magnetic fields should find many applications in accelerator, fusion, and NMR magnets.