Superconducting joints using multifilament MgB2 wires for MRI application

We present superconducting joints using 36 filaments magnesium diboride (MgB2) wires in continuation joint orientation and their characterisation results for the first time. One of the joints demonstrated the critical temperature (offset) of 34.4 K and the critical current (Ic) of 38.5 A at 10 K in self-field. Unconventional Ic behaviour of the joint was observed at 20 K in self-field when the Ic was measured in a high to a low field due to the effect of field trapping in the MgB2 bulk within the joint. Elemental mapping at the interface between the MgB2 bulk and the filament revealed oxidation, which was attributed to being responsible for reducing the Ic of the joint. This work will notably contribute towards MgB2 superconducting joint technology development for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) application.