Large Bulk (RE)BCO superconducting magnets for desktop NMR/MRI
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Materials
Abstract
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Organisations
Publications
Moseley D
(2021)
Improved pulsed field magnetisation in MgB 2 trapped-field magnets
in Superconductor Science and Technology
Mousavi T
(2022)
Comparison of the Microstructure and Superconducting Properties of Eu-Ba-Cu-O and Gd-Ba-Cu-O Single Grain Samples
in IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity
Shi Y
(2022)
The effect of facet lines on critical current density and trapped field in bulk RE-Ba-Cu-O single grains
in Superconductor Science and Technology
| Description | The Oxford group's role in this larger, multi-institutional grant (led by Cambridge) was to use the advanced analytic microscopy techniques that we specialise in to inform the growth of REBCO bulk high temperature superconductors with larger diameters and improved homogeneity. We have developed methodologies for multi-scale characterisation of the phase chemistry and crystallographic texture in the samples to correlate with processing parameters and superconducting property measurements in order to optimise the sample growth. In particular, we have looked at the effect of the RE element (Y, Gd, Eu) and silver additions on the microstructure. An important factor that influences the homogeneity of trapped fields produced by bulk REBCO superconductors is the difference in superconducting properties of the facet lines. These are the boundaries that naturally form between the growth fronts during the solidification of the bulk crystal from the partial melt. Using our advanced microstructural characterisation techniques, we have shown that the phase chemistry (e.g. density and size of the non-superconducting RE-211 secondary phase particles that aid flux pinning) in the facet line regions were similar to the bulk of the sample. However, the facet lines do not have low angle grain boundaries that may impeded current flow, which explains the observation that the critical current density of the facet line regions is better than the bulk. The Oxford group have also studied joints made by the Cambridge group between two bulk superconductors. This technology would enable larger devices to be manufactured without needing to grow larger diameter samples (which is very difficult). We have used our extensive microstructural characterisation of various types of joint to determine the mechanism by which the joint forms, which is now informing ongoing work (manuscript in preparation). |
| Exploitation Route | We are continuing to work with the Cambridge group on joints and with CAN superconductors (industrial manufacturer of REBCO bulks) on a new type of growth process. This is funded through an IAA doctoral impact project. |
| Sectors | Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | Please see report by Cambridge PI who holds the main award. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2023 |
| Sector | Other |
| Description | Superconductivity Summer School |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | This summer school trains new researchers in the field of applied superconductivity, mainly those carrying out higher degrees but also some individuals from an industry R&D setting. It usually runs every 2 years, and I have been involved since 2017. It attracts delegates from Europe and North America as well as the UK. In addition to introducing the fundamentals of this multidisciplinary field, the summer school focuses on applications of superconductors, from large scale magnets to thin film quantum devices. It is lectured by experts in the field and the feedback from delegates is always positive. |
| Description | High Temperature Superconductors for Fusion Technologies |
| Amount | £1,988,757 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/W011743/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2022 |
| End | 05/2027 |
| Description | Public Lecture |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Public lecture entitled "Can superconductors help to save the planet" and book launch. This was a public facing event associated with the IOP/Oxford Instruments Superconductivity Summer School 2022, Wolfson College, Oxford. The event was both in-person, live-streamed and recorded (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkFWic9gv8w) and attracted delegates from the international summer school, representatives from the superconductivity industry, school students and the general public. The event was followed by the launch of my new book for a general audience "A Materials Science Guide to Superconductors: and how to make them super", at which 30-40 books were sold. Refreshments were served during the book launch and there was a lot of discussion between the summer school delegates and members of the public. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | STEM learning advisory board |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Science Advisory Board Member for STEM learning, an organisation that provides CPD training for schools in STEM subjects. The advisory board oversees the activities of STEM learning, providing steer for future engagements/CPD offerings, and evaluating their work. This work provides a channel for influencing and engaging with school-level science curriculum and delivery, which is crucial for widening participation in STEM at higher level. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022,2023 |
| Description | School visits |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Taster lectures, demos, lab tours in the Department of Materials and at St Catherine's college for a range of events including: university open days, Headstart/UNIQ courses, Women in Science days, other school visits. Main impact is to enthuse school students in science and inspire them to consider STEM careers, particularly those from under-represented groups. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021,2022,2023 |
| Description | Schools conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Presented the keynote lecture at a "Chemistry for the environment" schools conference hosted by Wychwood School, Oxford, and judged the student papers/posters. This was a fantastic opportunity to enthuse local school students with superconductivity demos (including our levitating train), as well as informally chatting to many budding scientists. The event was reported in the local press. The main impact here, I believe, is inspiring the next generation of scientists and acting as a role model for diversity in physical sciences/engineering, as well as establishing networks with the local schools for future events. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |