Optimization of MgB2-brass joint resistance for SST-1 superconducting magnet current leads

348MgB₂ superconducting strands characterization has been initiated for the suitability of SST-1 superconducting magnets current leads. The DC I-V characteristics of commercial strands are being studied in J_c facility around 20 K at IPR. The conventional NbTi and copper based current leads will be replaced by MgB₂ and brass based current leads. The considerable amount of cryogenic cost saving is expected after adopting MgB₂ and brass based current leads because they will be operated ~20 K instead of 4.2 K. MgB₂ superconductor is used as a link between magnet leads and bottom of the brass wires. In order to optimize MgB₂-copper and MgB₂- brass joint resistance for the suitability for this type of current leads, various joint configurations has been fabricated and tested up to 4.2 K and encouraging results have been achieved. The joint configurations design, fabrication and validation are highlighted in this chapter.