Pushing the Limits of Particle Accelerators: Nb3Sn Superconducting Wires with Artificial Pinning Centers
Dr. Jean-Francois Croteau
Zoom: https://lbnl.zoom.us/j/5104867866 (Meeting ID: 942 2790 0362 Passcode: 099147)
Particle accelerators for High Energy Physics (HEP) experiments such as CERN’s LHC have relied on Nb-Ti wires, which have already reached their performance limit. On-going constructions such as the High Luminosity upgrade of the LHC are using Nb$_3$Sn. However, the performance targets for the next generation colliders are demanding performances beyond the present state-of-the-art Nb$_3$Sn conductors.
Recently developed prototype Nb$_3$Sn wires with oxidized nanoparticles have met or exceeded such targets, thus enabling the development of high field accelerator magnets that can achieve higher collision energies for fundamental particle physics research. These oxidized nanoparticles are known to improve the superconducting properties by increasing the bulk pinning force of the wires as (1) they hinder the growth of Nb$_3$Sn grains during heat treatment and (2) they also act as artificial pinning centers
that pin fluxoids and increase the critical current density.
Knowledge about the formation and growth of the nanoprecipitates is limited in literature. All published results are from techniques that can only analyze small volumes of materials compared to entire wires and cables and at a few selected points during the heat treatment.
This presentation will first introduce particle accelerators and ongoing research activities on superconducting wires and magnets at Berkeley Lab. Details about the development and investigation of Nb$_3$Sn wires with artificial pinning centers for future particle accelerators will then be presented.
Cissy Suen (ESA)