Quantum Design Oxford Collaborates to Improve Access to 20-30 Tesla Magnetic Fields

Key Takeaways

• MagLab and Quantum Design Oxford co‑develop 20‑30 T magnets.
• Bi‑2212 HTS wire enables higher current densities.
• High‑pressure reaction technique improves wire performance.
• Compact magnets will broaden lab‑scale high‑field access.
• Accelerates research in quantum computing and fusion energy.

Summary

Quantum Design Oxford and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory have announced a strategic partnership to co‑develop superconducting magnets that reach 20‑30 Tesla. The collaboration leverages MagLab’s Bi‑2212 high‑temperature superconductor wire and a high‑pressure reaction technique with Quantum Design Oxford’s commercial magnet manufacturing expertise. The goal is to produce compact, energy‑efficient magnets that enable fast‑ramp, high‑precision experiments in university and corporate labs. These tools are expected to speed materials discovery for quantum computing, fusion energy and other advanced technologies.

Pulse Analysis

The demand for ultra‑high magnetic fields has outpaced the supply of laboratory‑scale equipment, forcing many researchers to rely on national facilities. By joining forces, MagLab’s deep expertise in high‑temperature superconductor (HTS) development and Quantum Design Oxford’s proven magnet design pipeline address this gap. The partnership focuses on translating Bi‑2212 round‑wire breakthroughs—driven by a proprietary high‑pressure reaction process—into commercially viable magnet systems that can be installed on-site, reducing dependence on costly, shared facilities.

Technical advances are at the heart of the collaboration. Bi‑2212 HTS wire offers superior current density at cryogenic temperatures, but achieving consistent performance requires precise material processing. The high‑pressure reaction technique, refined at Florida State University’s Applied Superconductivity Center, optimizes grain connectivity and eliminates defects that traditionally limit HTS efficiency. Coupled with Quantum Design Oxford’s compact magnet architecture, the result is a series of 20‑30 Tesla devices that are both energy‑efficient and capable of rapid field ramping, opening new experimental regimes for low‑temperature physics.

The commercial rollout of these magnets promises to reshape several high‑tech markets. In quantum computing, stronger, more stable fields improve qubit coherence and enable novel device architectures. Fusion research benefits from higher field strengths that can confine plasma more effectively, potentially shortening development timelines. Moreover, the medical imaging sector could see next‑generation MRI systems with enhanced resolution. By making such capabilities broadly accessible, the partnership not only accelerates scientific discovery but also creates a competitive advantage for firms that adopt the technology early, reinforcing the United States’ leadership in advanced materials and superconducting applications.