Vanadium–gallium (V3Ga) is a superconducting alloy of vanadium and gallium. It is often used for the high field insert coils of superconducting electromagnets. Vanadium–gallium tape is used in the highest field magnets (magnetic fields of 17.5 T). The structure of the superconducting A15 phase of V3Ga is similar to that of the more common Nb3Sn. In conditions where the magnetic field is higher than 8 T and the temperature is higher than 4.2 K, Nb3Sn and V3Ga see use. The main property of V3Ga that makes it so useful is that it can be used in magnetic fields up to about 18 T, while Nb3Sn can only be used in fields up to about 15 T. The high field characteristics can be improved by doping with high-Z elements such as Nb, Ta, Sn, Pt and Pb.

Physical Properties

V3Ga has an A15 phase, which makes it extremely brittle. One must be extremely cautious not to over-bend the wire when handling it.

Superconducting properties

Fabrication of superconductive wires or tapes

V3Ga wires can be formed using solid-state precipitation.

History