The vision of USMDP is to maintain and strengthen US leadership in high-field accelerator magnet technology for future HEP colliders. USMDP seeks to integrate teams across the partner laboratories and universities for maximum effectiveness and value to the program. It also aims to identify and nurture HEP and cross-cutting / synergistic activities and opportunities with other programs. In these ways, we can speed up progress toward our shared goals.

Screenshot from cover of 2023 P5 Report illustrates linkage of the very small (particles) and very large (structure of universe)

The 2023 Particle Physics Project Prioritization Panel (P5) report laid out a compelling path towards future energy-frontier colliders, motivating an aggressive push to develop enabling technology. The USMDP serves as a flagship HEP program to develop advanced superconducting accelerator magnet technology for future colliders. With the renewed interest in muon colliders, the new 2025 USMDP Roadmaps address both hadron and muon collider magnet technology needs.

Researcher’s hand as he works with superconducting magnet

The development of accelerator magnet technology using high-temperature superconductors (HTS) is a growing component of the USMDP. HTS materials remain costly, and significant technical challenges must be overcome. A particular aim is integrating Bi-2212 or REBCO HTS materials with niobium-tin (Nb₃Sn) into hybrid magnets that have the potential to achieve very high fields as efficiently and rapidly as possible.

researchers adjust a prototype coil for an electron cyclotron resonance magnet

In support of the magnet development areas of the program, numerous science and technology developments are pursued by the USMDP. Subtopics include, for example, advanced magnet design and comparative analysis; advanced modeling; magnet materials; novel diagnostics; and conductor procurement and R&D. Advances in each of these areas have broad benefit to other science applications, from nuclear physics to fusion, and to US industry.

A close-up of a Canted Cosine Theta winding inside a superconducting magnet

High Energy Physics (HEP) is a global endeavor, and the USMDP strives to leverage international collaboration to more rapidly advance the field. Our research is regularly presented at international workshops and conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals, and USMDP scientists are actively engaged with international research efforts across the globe.