Ultra low resistance joints for bismuth-based high temperature superconducting magnets

The next generation of ultra-high field magnets for applications in healthcare and materials characterisation will need us to take advantage of the exceptional properties of high temperature superconducting materials. One of the most challenging design features in these magnets is the requirement for joints between individual lengths of superconducting wire that allow the passage of persistent currents (resistances less than 10^-14 Ohms!) in very high magnetic fields. In collaboration with Oxford Instruments, this project will involve designing novel processes to form joints between commercial bismuth-based high temperature superconducting wires, and to measure their performance under real engineering conditions. There will be opportunities for the student to become an expert in the advanced techniques needed to correlate the microstructure formed by complex heat treatment processes with superconducting properties of materials critical for future magnet designs.