[Paper Review] A Strategic Approach to Advance Magnet Technology for Next Generation Colliders

G. Ambrosio, K. Amm+75 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|Mar 26, 2022

Superconducting Materials and Applications4 citations

TL;DR

This paper proposes a strategic, long-term R&D program—Magnet Development Program (MDP)—to advance high-field superconducting magnet technology for next-generation particle colliders, focusing on high-temperature superconductors (HTS) like Bi2212 and REBCO, stress management, and industrial ecosystem development. The key contribution is a coordinated, multi-institutional roadmap to enable 20 T+ magnets, ensuring U.S. leadership in accelerator science and fostering public-private partnerships for future collider projects.

ABSTRACT

Colliders are built on a foundation of superconducting magnet technology that provides strong dipole magnets to maintain the beam orbit and strong focusing magnets to enable the extraordinary luminosity required to probe physics at the energy frontier. The dipole magnet strength plays a critical role in dictating the energy reach of a collider, and the superconducting magnets are arguably the dominant cost driver for future collider facilities. As the community considers opportunities to explore new energy frontiers, the importance of advanced magnet technology - both in terms of magnet performance and in the magnet technology's potential for cost reduction - is evident, as the technology status is essential for informed decisions on targets for physics reach and facility feasibility.

Motivation & Objective

• Address the critical need for high-field superconducting magnets to enable next-generation hadron and muon colliders at the energy frontier.
• Overcome technical challenges in high-field magnet design, including mechanical stress management and conductor performance limits.
• Advance high-temperature superconducting (HTS) materials—particularly Bi2212 and REBCO—for use in accelerator magnets beyond 20 T.
• Strengthen the domestic industrial ecosystem for magnet production through public-private partnerships and workforce development.
• Ensure international collaboration and equity in magnet R&D through transparent, open, and inclusive partnerships with global institutions.

Proposed method

• Establish a long-term, coordinated R&D program (MDP) under the DOE-OHEP and ARDAP to align national resources and priorities.
• Implement stress-management strategies for high-field magnets using advanced mechanical modeling, structural materials, and quench protection systems.
• Develop and test high-temperature superconducting (HTS) conductors, especially Bi2212 and REBCO, for operation at 20 T and above.
• Integrate advanced magnetic design and engineering tools to optimize magnet performance and scalability.
• Leverage existing national laboratory infrastructure and foster collaboration with universities and small businesses to scale production.
• Establish transparent, equitable international collaboration frameworks with European and global partners, including the European High Field Magnet (HFM) program.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 What are the key technical barriers to developing 20 T+ superconducting magnets for future colliders?
• RQ2 How can high-temperature superconductors like Bi2212 and REBCO be optimized for use in high-field accelerator magnets?
• RQ3 What stress-management techniques are most effective for maintaining mechanical integrity in high-field superconducting magnets?
• RQ4 How can the U.S. industrial base be strengthened to support large-scale magnet production for future collider projects?
• RQ5 What collaborative models ensure equitable, transparent, and innovative international partnerships in magnet R&D?

Key findings

• The Magnet Development Program (MDP) provides a strategic, long-term R&D framework essential for enabling next-generation colliders requiring 20 T+ superconducting magnets.
• High-temperature superconductors, particularly Bi2212 and REBCO, show strong promise for enabling magnets beyond 20 T, with ongoing progress in conductor performance and stability.
• Stress management in high-field magnets is achievable through advanced mechanical design, structural materials, and quench protection, with defined development pathways underway.
• The U.S. Office of Accelerator R&D and Production (ARDAP) is well-positioned to coordinate and scale magnet R&D, reducing supply chain risks and re-shoring critical technology.
• International collaboration, especially with the European High Field Magnet (HFM) program, is critical and already underway, with transparent, equitable frameworks in place.
• The MDP successfully nurtures early-career scientists and maintains a skilled workforce, ensuring continuity and innovation in accelerator magnet science.