Persistent current joints between technological superconductors

Persistent current joints are crucial components of superconducting magnets-enabling the production of the high and ultra-stable magnetic fields required, for instance, for magnetic resonance measurements. At this critical juncture when persistent mode magnets containing commercial high temperature superconductors may soon become a reality, it is of value to take stock and evaluate current challenges faced in the field of jointing. This paper provides a review of progress made to date on the production and characterization of joints between the five major technological superconductors-NbTi, Nb3Sn, MgB2, BiSCCO and REBCO, including the materials that are used to make these joints.