Development of a lightweight low-current 10 K 4 T magnet for space-flight ADRs Original Research Article

Future space missions will include detectors and other components cooled to cryogenic temperatures by adiabatic demagnetization refrigerators (ADRs) coupled with mechanical cryocoolers. In such systems the ADRs require lightweight, low-current superconducting magnets. At least one of an ADR’s magnets must operate at the cryocooler’s coldest stage temperature. This temperature should be as high as possible in order to improve operating efficiency and design flexibility. We previously reported the development of a lightweight (1 kg) low-current (8 A) Nb3Sn magnet which produces a 3 T central field at 10 K. We now report our progress in developing a new 10 K magnet of similar size made with smaller diameter Nb3Sn wire which will produce a 4 T central field with approximately 5 A.