September 10, 2025
This project aims to advance the development and performance of REBCO- based 2G HTS (High-Temperature Superconducting) wires by focusing on both material composition and in-field performance. The project builds on previous advancements and explores key modifications in the REBCO composition, such as increasing Zr doping and varying other doping elements, to enhance critical current (Ic) performance in the demanding conditions of fusion reactors. The primary objective is to develop a new formula for REBCO wires and assess its scalability and uniformity, specifically addressing performance at 20 K and high magnetic fields (up to 20 T), where fusion magnets typically operate. A key aspect of the work involves high-field transport testing to evaluate Ic across a range of temperatures (4.2 K to 55 K) and magnetic fields, complemented by the torque magnetometry technique to assess angular dependencies.
Additionally, advanced microscopy techniques, including SEM, TEM, and AFM, will be used for structural characterization, providing insights into microstructural features that affect the material’s performance. The project will explore defects, pinning mechanisms, and variations in composition along the wire length, with the goal of optimizing the material for large- scale, high-performance fusion magnets.