Effects of Thermal Neutron Irradiation and Oxygen on Ti-Sheathed ${\rm MgB}_{2}$ Wires

The effects of thermal neutron irradiation and excess oxygen on the properties of Ti-sheathed MgB₂ wires were investigated separately in this paper. No significant influence was observed when thermal neutron irradiation with fluence levels of 1.23 times 10¹⁴ and 5.75 times 10¹⁴ cm^-2 were applied on the sample, while fluence level of 3.16 times 10¹⁵ cm^-2 provided a strong suppression of in-field critical current density. Excess oxygen in sample preparation process had negative effect on the properties of the MgB₂ wires. The samples prepared in air possessed lower critical temperature and in-field current carrying capability in comparison with the sample prepared in glove box.