Progresses and challenges in the development of high-field solenoidal magnets based on RE123 coated conductors

TLDR

Recent advances in RE123 coated conductors have enabled superconducting solenoids to reach fields above 23.5 T, surpassing NbTi/Nb3Sn limits, yet fundamental and engineering challenges persist. This review aims to illustrate the close synergy between high‑field magnet development and advances in RE123 superconductor technology by surveying state‑of‑the‑art conductor and magnet systems. The paper is structured into three parts: fabrication fundamentals and performance improvements, critical issues and innovative design concepts for RE123 magnets, and a survey of ongoing magnet projects.

Abstract

Recent progresses in the second generation REBa2Cu3O7 - x (RE123) coated conductor (CC) have paved a way for the development of superconducting solenoids capable of generating fields well above 23.5 T, i.e. the lim it of NbTi-N b3Sn-based magnets. However, the RE123 magnet still poses several fundamental and engineering challenges. In this work we review the state-of- the-art of conductor and magnet technologies. The goal is to illustrate a close synergetic relationship between evolution of high-field magnets and advancement in superconductor technology. The paper is organized in three parts: (1) the basics of RE123 CC fabrication technique, including latest developments to improve conductor performance and production throughput; (2) critical issues and innovative design concepts for the RE123-based magnet; and (3) an overview of noteworthy ongoing magnet projects.