A New Multifilament Round Wire with Enhanced Bi2212 Texture for HEP High Field Magnet Applications

The study of fundamental physics phenomena at higher energy collisions will require more energy and luminosity. More luminosity means larger apertures and bigger magnets. In turn, higher field magnets will require higher performance Bi2212 conductors at lower cost. This project will develop technology for improving the critical current density and lowering the processing cost of powder-in-tube (PIT) Bi2212 wire, enabling this wire to be a potential candidate for use in high field magnets for future accelerator research. Phase I demonstrated a new approach for Bi2212 round wire, in which random-oriented two-dimensional filaments were incorporated in a single stack design. Phase II will optimize (1) the rectangular Bi2212 filaments ¿ in particular, the aspect ratio of the filaments ¿ to maximize the interface area between the Bi2212 and the conductor¿s silver sheath; and (2) the fill factor, or superconducting area, to take advantage of the novel single-stack design. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new PIT Bi2212 conductor should have an immediate benefit for high field magnets in high energy physics applications. Fusion reactors represent another potential application ¿ the successful demonstration of a prototype fusion machine based on an advanced cost effective Bi2212 conductor would have enormous economic and social benefits. Finally, these superconductors could help bring NMR tools into wider use, with applications in biochemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, polymer science, petroleum research, and medicine.