Status of the LHC low-beta insertion quadrupole magnet development at KEK

The development of the LHC low-beta insertion quadrupole magnets has been conducted at KEK since 1996. After the successful development of short model magnets, the first prototype magnet has been built by Toshiba and is tested at KEK. Although the quench performance and the field quality of the magnet are satisfactory, a design problem is found in one of the end spacers. The problem increases the risk of a turn-to-turn and in fact causes shorts in the second prototype magnet, and in the trial coil of the first production magnet. The design is modified and the problem appears to be resolved. The construction of the production magnets is now started and lasts till the summer of 2004.