JOINTS WITH VERY LOW RESISTANCE BETWEEN SUPERCONDUCTING WIRES AND METHODS FOR MAKING SUCH JOINTS

摘要

Joints between first and second superconducting wires (7), each comprising a number of filaments (4) which each comprise a superconductive core (1) within a respective sheath (2), wherein the sheaths (2) comprise niobium (Nb) and the filaments (4) are embedded within a matrix (3) are disclosed. The joint itself comprises a certain length (20) of filaments exposed by removal of the matrix (3); over the certain length, the sheaths (2) are of niobium-tin (Nb₃Sn); and a superconductive path is provided between superconductive cores (1) of filaments (4) of the first wire (7), through the Nb₃Sn sheaths (2) of the filaments (4) to the cores (1) of the second wire (7). Methods for making such joints are also provided.