Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a powerful medical diagnostic tool, is the largest commercial application of superconductivity. The superconducting magnet is the largest and most expensive component of an MRI system. The magnet configuration is determined by competing requirements including optimized functional performance, patient comfort, ease of siting in a hospital environment, minimum acquisition and lifecycle cost including service. In this paper, we analyze conductor requirements for commercial MRI magnets beyond traditional NbTi conductors, while avoiding links to a particular magnet configuration or design decisions. Potential conductor candidates include MgB2, ReBCO and BSCCO options. The analysis shows that no MRI-ready non-NbTi conductor is commercially available at the moment. For some conductors, MRI specifications will be difficult to achieve in principle. For others, cost is a key barrier. In some cases, the prospects for developing an MRI-ready conductor are more favorable, but significant developments are still needed. The key needs include the development of, or significant improvements in: (a) conductors specifically designed for MRI applications, with form-fit-and-function readily integratable into the present MRI magnet technology with minimum modifications. Preferably, similar conductors should be available from multiple vendors; (b) conductors with improved quench characteristics, i.e. the ability to carry significant current without damage while in the resistive state; (c) insulation which is compatible with manufacturing and refrigeration technologies; (d) dramatic increases in production and long-length quality control, including large-volume conductor manufacturing technology. In-situ MgB2 is, perhaps, the closest to meeting commercial and technical requirements to become suitable for commercial MRI. Conductor technology is an important, but not the only, issue in introduction of HTS / MgB2 conductor into commercial MRI magnets. These new conductors, even when they meet the above requirements, will likely require numerous modifications and developments in the associated magnet technology.

中文翻译：

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NbTi 以外的商用 MRI 磁体导体：要求和挑战


磁共振成像（MRI）是一种强大的医疗诊断工具，是超导性最大的商业应用。超导磁体是 MRI 系统中最大且最昂贵的组件。磁体配置由竞争性需求决定，包括优化的功能性能、患者舒适度、医​​院环境中的选址便利性、最低采购和生命周期成本（包括服务）。在本文中，我们分析了传统 NbTi 导体之外的商用 MRI 磁体的导体要求，同时避免与特定磁体配置或设计决策的联系。潜在的候选导体包括 MgB2、ReBCO 和 BSCCO 选项。分析表明，目前还没有可用于 MRI 的非 NbTi 导体在商业上可用。对于某些导体，原则上很难达到 MRI 规范。对于其他人来说，成本是一个主要障碍。在某些情况下，开发可用于 MRI 的导体的前景更为有利，但仍需要重大进展。关键需求包括开发或重大改进：(a)专门为 MRI 应用设计的导体，其形状配合和功能可轻松集成到现有的 MRI 磁体技术中，只需进行最少的修改。最好可以从多个供应商处获得类似的导体； (b) 具有改进的失超特性的导体，即在电阻状态下承载大电流而不损坏的能力； (c) 与制造和制冷技术兼容的隔热材料； (d) 产量和长长度质量控制的急剧增加，包括大批量导体制造技术。 原位 MgB2 也许最接近满足商业和技术要求，适合商业 MRI。将 HTS / MgB2 导体引入商用 MRI 磁体时，导体技术是一个重要但不是唯一的问题。这些新导体即使满足上述要求，也可能需要对相关磁体技术进行大量修改和开发。