Preparation of a Stabilized Nb3Sn-Based Superconducting Tape by a Diffusion Process

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A diffusion process has been developed for the preparation of Nb3Sn ribbon which can subsequently be stabilized to any desired level. The preparation process is described in detail with emphasis on the effect of reaction time, reaction temperature, and contamination on the critical current of the Nb3Sn. Under optimum conditions, short samples of the ribbon showed a current density of approx 105 A/cm2 in a field of 100 000 G. The superconducting ribbon, after the diffusion reaction, is partially stabilized by a thin layer of tin which remains on the surface. To further stabilize the ribbon to any desired level, another metal can be bonded to the Nb3Sn through this layer of tin. A small copper‐stabilized test magnet was constructed to determine the degree of degradation occurring when the ribbon is wound into magnet. This magnet was found to have approximately the same current‐carrying capacity as short samples of the ribbon.