The critical current density of Nb3Sn needs to be increased to better accommodate the fabrication of high field (15T to 20T) dipole magnets for particle accelerators. This project will increase the critical current density in Nb3Sn by introducing artificial pinning centers. The artificial pinning centers will be added via the sigma phase powder process route. The feasibility of the method will be tested by fabricating tapes using known composites. Fabrication of tapes using Yb and Ce as artificial pinning will proceed in parallel.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Improved current densities in Nb3Sn will enable higher field, smaller size and lower cost superconducting magnets for use in advanced science and medical applications.
