Next Step in the Evolution of Superconducting Detector Magnets

Various proposals for high energy physics experiments at future facilities, such as the ILC, include large superconducting solenoids for magnetic spectroscopy. It is now established technology to use indirectly cooled windings of aluminum-stabilized Nb-Ti superconductor for such magnets, but for the size and strength of field being considered it is essential to reinforce the pure aluminum stabilizing material. Technologies for strengthening the conductor, which were first developed for some space science and high energy physics detector magnets, have continued to progress, and economic conductors and windings based on the most recent experience are proposed for the next generation of spectrometers. An explanation will be given of the far-reaching technical and cost implications implied in surpassing the intrinsic limits of what can be achieved with this approach to the design of detector magnets.