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Comparison
HTS vs LTS Magnets
High-temperature superconductors reach far higher fields and warmer temperatures than low-temperature ones — the difference that makes compact high-field fusion possible.
- HTS (REBCO)
- Higher field (24.6 T), ~20 K, demountable
- LTS (Nb₃Sn/NbTi)
- Capped ~12–20 T, ~4 K, welded
- Kronos
- HTS / REBCO
- Consequence
- HTS enables compact high-field designs
The magnet is the enabling technology of compact fusion, and the choice between high-temperature (HTS) and low-temperature (LTS) superconductor is decisive. LTS materials like Nb₃Sn and NbTi are mature but cap out around 12–20 T and must run near 4 K in a welded, permanent coil. HTS tape (REBCO) keeps superconducting at much higher fields and warmer temperatures.
| Property | HTS (REBCO) / LTS (Nb₃Sn/NbTi) |
|---|---|
| Peak field | 24.6 T (Kronos) / ~12–20 T |
| Operating temperature | ~20 K / ~4 K |
| Serviceability | Demountable joints possible / welded, permanent |
| Enables | Compact high-field tokamaks / larger, lower-field machines |
Because power density scales with the fourth power of field, the higher field HTS enables is what shrinks the machine — the entire premise of the Kronos 24.6 T magnet system.