Department of Materials University of Oxford

The Oxford Centre for Applied Superconductivity

Susie Speller

Department of Materials University of Oxford

The purpose of the centre is to accelerate innovation in emerging materials and technology to support and expand the commercial exploitation of superconductivity and superconducting machines in Oxfordshire. Initial partners: Oxford University, Oxford Harwell Campus, Siemens Magnet Technology, Oxford Instruments, Tokamak Energy

Department of Materials University of Oxford

Case for the Centre

Applications of superconductors include areas as diverse as magnetic energy storage, quantum computing, energy generation and distribution, fusion reactors and healthcare technologies. There is a cluster of applied superconductivity companies within 25 miles of Oxford, including • Siemens Magnet Technology (MRI magnets) • Oxford Instruments (superconducting magnets and

quantum technologies)

Department of Materials University of Oxford

Deliverables

• The Centre will establish 2 new laboratories in Clarendon Laboratory and Materials Department

– Superconductor testing

• Including high field, high current testing • MO imaging

– Materials discovery • Thin film synthesis • Microstructure/property relationships

Department of Materials University of Oxford

Deliverables • Examples of first stage projects

– MgB2 DC cables – Persistent mode joints – Radiation damage in coated conductor – New superconductors – New areas suggested by the partners

• Discussions on superconductors in quantum technologies already started for second stage

http://www.materials.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate/newprojects.html

Department of Materials University of Oxford

Deliverables

The Centre will aim to create 10 new jobs within the first 2 years • 4 postdoctoral researchers • 4 technicians • at least 2 apprentices (who we hope will progress

into jobs with the partners)

Department of Materials University of Oxford

Timescales

• 5 year project funded in first instance • Project funding starts April 2015 • Laboratories complete Oct 2015

• We will be seeking new partners/projects in the

early part of next year

Department of Materials University of Oxford

CryOx Multifilamentary NbTi Joints Analysis of CryOx cold pressed and spot welded joints between multifilamentary NbTi wires (Greg Brittles)

Department of Materials University of Oxford

Spot-welded NbTi filaments

Optical SEM

Majority of filaments have bonded completely to form a single bulk

Department of Materials University of Oxford

5um

Spot-welded microstructure

50um

Cu

Dark Ti precipitates

No clear interfaces between fused filaments but significant microstructural modification

Department of Materials University of Oxford

Transverse section

50um 50um

Department of Materials University of Oxford

Pb-Bi solder properties

Jc(B) data calculated from magnetisation measurements using Bean model

Department of Materials University of Oxford

Chemical mapping of Pb-Bi solder Eutectic composition Pb 40wt%Bi

Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) chemical mapping of two different solder compositions, taken at 5kV in an SEM

Department of Materials University of Oxford

B = 0 T; I = 37 A Resistance = 5 x 10-15 Ω

Measurement of Joint Resistance Single-Turn Loop of NbTi

Superconducting Wire

Superconducting Joint (Pb-Bi)

Department of Materials University of Oxford

Following speculative leads