Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Oxford Instruments commissions a powerful new high field, high energy magnet system at the Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory

Home > Press > Oxford Instruments commissions a powerful new high field, high energy magnet system at the Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory

Abstract:
Oxford Instruments has successfully developed and installed a compact, high field, high stored energy superconducting magnet system at the Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory (Hochfeld-Magnetlabor Dresden - HLD) within the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) in Germany. The success of commissioning is the end result of significant advances made in magnet engineering throughout the programme.

Oxford Instruments commissions a powerful new high field, high energy magnet system at the Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory

Oxford, UK | Posted on February 13th, 2015

This new magnet generates 19 Tesla within a large magnet bore of 150 mm, operating at 4.2 K, the normal boiling point of liquid helium. Until recently, such combinations of high magnetic field and large bore size or sample space could only be achieved by super-cooling the magnet to 2.2 K by the use of further cooling applied to the liquid helium. The magnet for HLD has been specifically designed to accommodate high temperature superconductor (HTS) insert coils targeting even higher fields, in addition to a wide range of sample configurations for experiments such as the high field magnetisation of magnetic materials.

Prof. Dr. Joachim Wosnitza, Director of HLD commented, "At HLD, we operate a pulsed magnetic field facility for international researchers. Besides that, we study the structure and function of modern materials together with our cooperation partners by use of high magnetic fields. There were significant electro-mechanical and thermal challenges in development and manufacture of high field, wide bore superconducting magnets required by HLD. We rely on experienced partners and suppliers to provide stable and reliable magnets, and we chose Oxford Instruments because of their depth and range of expertise in this field, as well as their long experience in installing such systems globally. HLD is very pleased with the commissioning of yet another high capacity magnet system from Oxford instruments. The installation of this system went very smoothly. The whole process from delivery to completion has been hassle free and one of the best we have ever experienced so far".

There are two particular challenges to overcome in the design and manufacture of such a leading-edge superconducting magnets - the stresses within the magnetic coils, and the management of the very high stored energy within the magnet. To manage the extermely large coil stresses, Oxford Instruments combined extensive modelling with innovative construction techniques in order to produce the reliable high field niobuim tin superconductor coils required.

The energy stored in such a magnet when at its full field is enormous - in this case 5.7 MJ (MegaJoules). Should the magnet "quench" - in other words, rapidly lose its superconductivity - this energy is dissipated within just a few seconds. For comparison, this is approximately the same stored energy as a Volvo FH 550/610 truck tractor unit weighing 9.68 metric tonnes travelling at 124 kph (77 mph). For the HLD magnet, a new quench energy management system was developed and extensively tested before being proven on the full magnet system.

Dr Ziad Melhem, Alliances Manager at Oxford Instruments NanoScience said, "We are delighted by this major achievement, which results from working closely with our colleagues and partners at the HLD at various stages of the product development and sets new records for superconducting research magnets using LTS materials. This new magnet system will help accelerate materials research and enable new innovations and discoveries in a high field environment".

In its research programme, HLD already operates a number of Oxford Instruments' superconducting magnet systems including a high field research magnet generating 20 T at 4.2 K and 22 T at 2.2 K - presently the state of the art for low temperature superconducting (LTS) niobium titanium (NbTi) and niobium tin (Nb3Sn) superconducting wires.

An essential enabling factor in these powerful high-field magnets has been the development of RRP® (rod restack process) niobium tin conductor by Oxford Superconducting Technology (OST - Carteret, NJ, USA), a member of the Oxford Instruments group of companies. The RRP conductor is a specialised high-performance product geared towards optimised performance for ultra-high field superconducting magnets. The close cooperation over an extended period between OST as conductor manufacturer and the Oxford Instruments magnet engineering team is a key factor in allowing units such as this to be built.

Dr Michael Cuthbert, Managing Director of Oxford Instruments NanoScience said, "The completion of this magnet is confirmation of Oxford Instruments' world-class capability to develop state of the art high field superconducting magnet systems. Our strong track record in the development and manufacture of unique superconducting magnet products is underpinned by our commitment to enable our customers to push the boundaries of their research. By utilising our RRP technology and high field, high energy coil designs we are able to offer National Facility grade performance of high magnetic field in compact lab scale environment".

High magnetic fields are needed by the research community in physical and life sciences to explore new areas in nanoscience, nanotechnology, bioscience and materials research. Moreover, high fields in combination with low temperature are a crucial aid in studying, modifying and control new states of matter required. This enables new innovations by discovering advanced materials and allows studies at the nano scale. Superconducting magnets provide high magnetic fields without the enormous power consumption and large infrastructure requirements of resistive magnets.

Issued for and on behalf of Oxford Instruments Omicron NanoScience

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About Oxford Instruments plc
Oxford Instruments designs, supplies and supports high-technology tools and systems with a focus on research and industrial applications. Innovation has been the driving force behind Oxford Instruments' growth and success for over 50 years, and its strategy is to effect the successful commercialisation of these ideas by bringing them to market in a timely and customer-focused fashion.

The first technology business to be spun out from Oxford University, Oxford Instruments is now a global company with over 2300 staff worldwide and is listed on the FTSE250 index of the London Stock Exchange (OXIG). Its objective is to be the leading provider of new generation tools and systems for the research and industrial sectors with a focus on nanotechnology. Its key market sectors include nano-fabrication and nano-materials. The company’s strategy is to expand the business into the life sciences arena, where nanotechnology and biotechnology intersect.

This involves the combination of core technologies in areas such as low temperature, high magnetic field and ultra high vacuum environments; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance; x-ray, electron, laser and optical based metrology; atomic force microscopy; optical imaging; advanced growth, deposition and etching.

Oxford Instruments aims to pursue responsible development and deeper understanding of our world through science and technology. Its products, expertise, and ideas address global issues such as energy, environment, security and health.

About Oxford Instruments Omicron NanoScience

Internationally recognised as world leaders in superconductivity, ultra low temperature cryogenic environments and ultra high vacuum environments, Oxford Instruments Omicron NanoScience is driving innovation in these fields. The company’s leading-edge technologies support research in nanotechnology, solid state and condensed matter physics. Combining outstanding technical expertise, original thinking and a commitment to meeting customers’ needs, Oxford Instruments Omicron NanoScience enables real advances both in research and commercial applications by providing the high quality technological environments needed to meet demanding experimental requirements. Oxford Instruments Omicron NanoScience is part of the Oxford Instruments plc group.

About Oxford Superconducting Technology

For nearly half a century, Oxford Instruments Superconducting Technology has been designing, developing and producing innovative conductors to meet the requirements of a sophisticated base of scientific and commercial customers. Our products are at the very heart of a majority of the superconducting magnets world wide, and continue to be the first choice for quality and performance.

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Contacts:
Soma Deshprabhu
Marketing Communications Manager
Oxford Instruments Omicron NanoScience

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