High Jc, Low AC Loss Nb3Sn Superconductor for 14-20T Fusion Application

Work has started worldwide for the design of an advanced fusion project beyond the presently funded ITER demonstration. The future fusion reactor design will require lower cost, much higher performing superconductor wires in the 14-20 T range. This higher performing strand will require a new design for the Nb3Sn superconductor and very high Jc at 15T, while still retaining the low AC loss of present ITER fusion superconductors. This project will develop a low-cost Nb3Sn strand with 2-3 times the Jc performance of present day ITER superconductors at 15T, and with AC losses at or below present day fusion strands. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee In addition to the application for fusion magnets, the high performance Nb3Sn superconductor should find use in high field MRI, NMR systems, superconducting accelerators, proton radiation for cancer treatment, and high field magnetic separation.