Express Critical Current Evaluation of Superconducting Samples in Cryocooler-Based Self-Field I–V Characterization Facility

A cryogen-free self-field I-V characterization facility employing a single cold head of 1-W pulse tube cryocooler has been developed at Magnet Technology Development Division of Institute for Plasma Research (IPR) for laboratory research purpose. This facility has been developed aimed at characterizing indigenously developed low-temperature, intermediate-temperature, and high-temperature superconducting strands and tapes at IPR. Design drivers, associated subsystems, and the experimental setup of this facility have been elaborated in this paper. The heat load estimation, current lead optimization measures, and the sample characterization details have been presented. As a successful validation, I-V characterization of some bench-marked commercial superconducting strand have been carried out at different temperature in self-field and have been compared with reported critical current values. This facility would enable a rapid characterization of superconducting strands and tapes being developed indigenously.