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The development of a high resolution high-field 1 GHz NMR spectrometer has been undertaken by Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories (BPNL). In preparation for the design of the superconducting magnet for that instrument, BPNL sponsored a program to measure the properties at high field (up to 23.5 T) and low temperature (1.8 K) of a number of commercially available superconductors. Lengths of these conductors were obtained and tested as short samples and in small coils. The critical current densities, index values and strain dependence of these properties were characterized. The potential applications of these conductors in construction of a 1 GHz NMR magnet are discussed.

In order to evaluate the feasibility of using [Nb.sub.3]Sn superconductors to generate fields as high as 23.5 T in NMR magnets, the Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories [BPNL] has initiated a conductor development and evaluation program. We report here the results of one part of that program involving the Wang NMR/LBL team. Based on a preliminary magnet design, and after extensive discussion with various conductor manufacturers, conductors which had been optimized for use at fields above 20 T were purchased. These conductors have been evaluated with respect to mechanical and electrical properties. In particular, the strain dependence of the critical current density has been measured at 1.8 K and 23.5 T. These results, together with coil tests, are reported in this paper.