Opportunities in High Magnetic Field Science

Because of the importance of high-field magnets in scientific research, the National Science Foundation asked the National Research Council to assess the state of and prospects of these magnets for high-field science and technology in the US. Focusing on scientific and technological challenges, this report presents the results of that assessment.

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High-field magnets—those that operate at the limits of the mechanical and/or electromagnetic properties of their structural materials—are used as research tools in a variety of scientific disciplines. The study of high magnetic fields themselves is also important in many areas such as astrophysics. Because of their importance in scientific research and the possibility of new breakthroughs, the National Science Foundation asked the National Research Council to assess the current state of and future prospects for high-field science and technology in the United States. This report presents the results of that assessment. It focuses on scientific and technological challenges and opportunities, and not on specific program activities. The report provides findings and recommendations about important research directions, the relative strength of U.S. efforts compared to other countries, and ways in which the program can operate more effectively.Table of Contents


Front Matter
Executive Summary
1 Introduction
2 Scientific Challenges and Opportunities with Higher Fields
3 Technological Challenges and Opportunities for Developing Higher Fields
4 Conclusions and Recommendations
Appendix A Nobel Prizes for Research That Used or Significantly Affected the Development of High Magnetic Fields
Appendix B High-Field Magnet Facilities Around the World
Appendix C Glossary
Appendix D Meeting Agendas
Appendix E Input from the Community
Appendix F Biographies of Committee Members and Staff
Appendix G Tutorial on High-Temperature Superconductivity
Appendix H Tutorial on Frontiers in Vortex Physics