Institute of research into the fundamental laws of the Universe

Fundamental Research Division

superconducting magnet physics and technology

The ATLAS toroid magnet in the building phase.

Accelerators play a crucial role in the physics of the infinitely small, where the goal is to explore new domains of energy (access to new particles) and intensity (access to rare phenomena). All particle accelerators use magnets to transport the beam. All particle physics experiments need large magnets to deduce the properties of emitted charged particles by detecting them. Accelerators and magnets are thus key elements of any subatomic physics experimental program. Irfu’s aim is to be able to make a major contribution to building magnets and accelerators, today and tomorrow, up to and including complete project management for systems or subsystems. This strategy is based on strong collaborations with the best international partners, such as CERN.

#1282 - Last update : 06/08 2018

Achievements in response to societal challenges

The Institute applies its expertise to social issues, such as energy and health.

Projects can be important like for example :

the design and construction and installation of the ISEULT 11.7 T MRI magnet
such as the construction of a technological platform for the production of instruments for muonic imaging
the production of magnets for material physics
but also smaller with R&D detectors from the physics of the 2 infinite; such as
improving the performance of "small animal" PET scans
R&D on an innovative detection medium which could lead to a technological breakthrough in the field of positron emission tomography
R&D on optical fibres to make a Quantum Solar concentrator

Instrumentation and development for R&D magnets

The design and construction of high technology cryomagnetic systems are based on R&D activities which are part of the first design or prototyping phase. SACM also maintains an R&D activity outside construction projects in order to prepare for the future. It runs a range of R&D through international collaboration and in particular with CERN, in order to develop new superconductors to increase the magnetic field or the operating temperature.

Superconducting Magnets for Particle Physics Research

Irfu designs, builds, tests and operates large superconducting magnets for research. These magnets are a critical technology for nuclear and particle physics accelerators and detectors, such as the Atlas torus and the CMS solenoid in the LHC or the Glad dipole in GSI/Fair. The specifications imposed by the scientific objectives lead to large size, high magnetic fields and specific magnetic configurations. To remain at the highest international level and exploit the particle physics know-how developed in particle physics, Irfu extends its actions to MRI and to fusion, through the Iseult, W7-X and JT-60SA projects. All of these tasks incorporate cryogenics, mechanics, superconductivity and protection of the magnets.