Rapid characterisation of persistent current joints by SQUID magnetometry

Persistent current joints are critical components of superconducting magnets,and improvements in their properties are key to the production of next generation devices. Research into joints is presently constrained by the inability to easily characterise their superconducting properties both quickly and with high precision. Demonstrated here is a novel inductive resistance testing (IRT) technique performed using a widely available commercial magnetic properties measurement system (MPMS). The technique offers a simple,rapid and highly sensitive means of obtaining the key superconducting properties pertinent to joint performance; I-c(B,T) and R(I,B,T). This method enables the extremely fast characterisation of joints in unprecedented detail,which can help to improve our understanding of their superconducting properties and ultimately accelerate the development of new jointing methods.