NGIMAT, LLC — Department of Energy SBIR Phase II: 35c

Description

Next generation high-energy physics particle accelerators will require higher magnetic fields than current technology allows for, and Bismuth Strontium Calcium Copper Oxide (Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8, or Bi2212) superconductor is the leading candidate material to enable this advancement. In this effort, Bi2212 will be produced through a proprietary process that also successfully makes over 50 different oxide nanopowder products for commercial sale. The Phase IIA effort will advance Bi2212 powder product to the standards of quality and consistency required by end-user magnet manufacturers. In the SBIR Fast Track effort, Bi2212 powder that demonstrated competitive performance was developed. The Phase IIA effort will further advance the technical performance of Bi2212 powder as well as establish manufacturing practices that will enable consistent and reliable supply for the U.S. superconducting community. This will be achieved through new chemical formulations of the powder and implementing advanced manufacturing and quality-control protocols. The primary application for Bi2212 is in high-energy physics particle accelerators, but other commercial applications include high-field magnets used in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrometers, Magnetic Resonance Imaging devices, and superconducting Fault Current Limiters. Given that commercialization of Bi2212 for particle accelerators is variable, alternative near-term commercial markets will also be investigated during and following the