Practical Superconductors for High Energy Physics (HEP) Magnets

The magnet designer has a large choice of materials and conductor configurations to choose from. His choice is based on electrical and magnetic performance, mechanical properties, ease in winding, reliability and cost. This paper attempts to review and clarify standard NbTi and multifilament bronze Nb3Sn configurations of interest to HEP magnet designers. Emerging variations of these basic materials, such as NbTiTa and in-situ Nb3Sn are described and compared on a cost basis with each other. New techniques for manufacturing large quantities of high amperage conductors are described.