Manufacturing of lightweight low-current Nb3Sn ADR magnets operating at 10 K

Adiabatic demagnetization refrigerators (ADRs) using superconducting magnets are under development for cooling many NASA instruments. Due to higher efficiency of cryocoolers at 10 K, Nb3Sn magnets operating at 10 K are favored for space ADRs. Further, magnets need to be as light as possible and have low operating currents. This paper discusses technologies for the manufacture of lightweight, low-current Nb3Sn magnets and reports on testing of a 35 mm bore by 60 mm long magnet. This magnet weighed less than 1 kg and successfully produced 3 T at 11.5 K with an operating current of 8 A.