Development Trends in High Field Magnet Technology

The production of high magnetic fields using low temperature superconductors (LTS) has become common place. However, large magnet sizes and associated high cooling costs have often precluded the full utilization of these research capabilities. Recent advances in internal Sn superconductors and cryogen free technology have opened up a new era in superconducting magnet development. Ultra-compact, laboratory sized magnets producing fields up to 22 Tesla are available. This new class of high field magnet weighs under 200 kg and is suitable for general laboratory installation. In addition, extremely compact, high field, split pair magnets with open access are now operating at the elevated temperature of T = 4.2 K. Beyond conventional wet magnet technology, there is a growing trend to utilize cryogen free technology. Cryogen free magnets do not require liquid Helium baths and, with the addition of active shielding, both the experimental sample access and siting availability is improved. The influence of enabling technologies required to realize the above practical applications for high field, superconducting magnet systems is described.