Joining Superconducting MgB₂ Parts by Spark Plasma Sintering: A New Technique with High Potential for Manufacturing Future Superconducting Devices

MgB₂ pellets that were sintered by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) from commercial MgB₂ powder were soldered by a SPS process and compared to unsoldered ones. The soldered samples were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy which have shown no visible defects at the junction. SQUID magnetometry and four probes resistance measurements have confirmed that the soldered pellets present the same magnetic properties as the unsoldered ones. The presented soldering technique could find applications for manufacturing superconducting devices with custom shapes which could be used as rotors for motors and generators, magnets and magnetic shields. This new approach could generate a high potential interest for industrials in these and connected domains such as the development of new electrical planes using superconducting technologies.