A Tear-Drop Bifilar Sample Holder for Full Excitation and Stability Studies of HTS Cables at 4.2 K Using a Superconducting Transformer

HTS cables proposed for next-generation main, hybrid, and insert magnets will have very high I
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(>10 kA) at 14 T and above. Determining the quench, current-sharing, and other properties of these cables will require measurement systems, which will likely incorporate a superconducting transformer. The utilization of high-field persistent mode solenoids will make size and cost less prohibitive, allowing a higher frequency of measurements within a larger number of research facilities. Additionally, a system designed for use with solenoids will allow for experiments at higher maximum fields than those achievable using dipoles and split coils. Proposed in this document is a bifilar sample probe, which fits within a 77-mm bore solenoid capable of measuring up to a 6-mm outer diameter conductor-on-round-core REBCO cables or wires up to 20 kA in transverse fields at 12 T and 4.2 K. Splices and mechanical considerations will be discussed.