Institute of research into the fundamental laws of the Universe

This superconducting magnet will have an internal diameter of 1 m and a height of 1.4 m. It would be subjected to intense mechanical and electrical stress should the field from the central conventional magnets collapse suddenly. In order to provide for the best possible safety of the superconducting magnet in the event of such an incident, the design adopts a strategy of cooling the conductor by means of an internal channel carrying superfluid helium. This will provide an energy reserve greater than the energy dissipated by the conventional magnets.

SACM carried out initial magnetic, electrical, mechanical and thermal design work on the magnet between 2007 and 2010. We have also established the basic specification and carried out mechanical measurements on samples of the conductor. Building on this initial work, the CNRS and the CEA have set up a collaboration within which IRFU/SACM will provide engineering designs for the superconducting magnet and is safety systems. The cryogenics systems will be shared between the CEA and the CNRS, the former providing the local interfaces and magnet services, and the latter designing the 1.8 K liquefaction system and pump together with the control and instrumentation.