Development of APC Nb-Ti composite conductors at Supercon, Inc

Supercon has developed a unique method for the fabrication of artificial pinning center (APC) NbTi superconductors. In this process, pure niobium and titanium layers are partially diffused so as to produce a superconductor/normal structure that will provide flux pinning at final conductor size. No precipitation heat treatments are required. Process development has resulted in Conductors with filament diameters as small as 6 and as large as 90 microns. Excellent conductor ductility and J/sub c/ performance have been demonstrated. Supercon APC conductor has been utilized in solenoid, model dipole, and MRI magnets. An overview of the development program mill be presented along with a status report on conductor scale-up efforts.>