Superconducting joints using multifilament MgB2 wires for MRI application

We present superconducting joints using 36 filaments magnesium diboride (MgB2) wires in continuation joint orientation and their characterisation results for the first time. One of the joints demonstrated the critical temperature (offset) of 34.4 K and the critical current (I-c) of 38.5 A at 10 K in self-field. Unconventional I-c behaviour of the joint was observed at 20 K in self-field when the I-c was measured in a high to a low field due to the effect of field trapping in the MgB2 bulk within the joint. Elemental mapping at the interface between the MgB2 bulk and the filament revealed oxidation, which was attributed to being responsible for reducing the I-c of the joint. This work will notably contribute towards MgB2 superconducting joint technology development for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) application. (C) 2021 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study introduced superconducting joints made with 36 filaments magnesium diboride wires, showing characteristics with a critical temperature of 34.4K and critical current of 38.5A at 10K. Unconventional behavior of the joint was observed at 20K due to field trapping in the MgB2 bulk.