Florida State University scientists have set a new record for the strongest stable magnetic field with a hybrid magnet made of a high-temperature superconductor and an Ohm magnet. The magnet generated a stable field strength of 45.5 Tesla, surpassing the previous records of both DC electromagnets and superconducting magnets. Traditional electromagnets require a significant amount of energy, with the previous record holder needing 31 megawatts of power to achieve a sustained field intensity of 45 Tesla. However, high-temperature superconductors require less power due to the low electrical resistance of cuprates. The highest ever recorded field strength was 1,200 Tesla, but it was only maintained for a few milliseconds. The hybrid magnet has the potential to exceed 60 Tesla, but it cannot be used as a working magnet yet due to damage to the 43-micrometer-thick REBCO tapes during testing.
The hybrid magnet is made up of a 43-micrometer-thick multilayered REBCO tape, consisting of a carrier layer and a cuprate layer made of yttrium, gadolinium, and barium. A silver layer and a copper stabilizer were also applied for stabilization. The tape is wound around a copper core, which forms the heart of the magnet. The superconducting cuprate has almost zero electrical resistance at low temperatures, so the magnet is cooled in a helium-filled tube inside a traditional electromagnet. The hybrid magnet is a combination of an Ohm magnet on the outside and a superconducting magnet on the inside. The scientists believe that the record field strength of 45.5 Tesla can be significantly increased with this type of magnet, but the REBCO tapes need to be modified to prevent damage during testing.
While the hybrid magnet has set a new record for the strongest stable magnetic field, it cannot be used as a working magnet yet due to the damage to the REBCO tapes during testing. The scientists are optimistic that the field strength can be increased beyond 60 Tesla with this type of magnet, but modifications to the REBCO tapes are necessary. The hybrid magnet has the potential to revolutionize the field of electromagnets, as it requires less energy than traditional electromagnets and can generate stronger magnetic fields.
