Generation and transmission of enrgy, research, high-field magnets, low-noise applications

Superconductors are applied for high currents and, consequently, high magnetic fields. Such solutions can be designed in a very compact manner. They are advantageous for, e.g., energy transmission or imaging methods. Very ambitious devices are deployed in accelerator technology for special magnets and their peripheric systems.

Superconductors are featuring numerous fascinating physical and technical properties. The quasi non-dissipative current, below the critical temperature T_c, enables the generation of very high magnetic fields. In particular, low-temperature superconductors (T_c < 20 K) are distinguishes from high-temperature superconductors (T_c in the range between 50 K and 120 K).

The latter consist of ceramic material. Thus, not only the cryogenic environment but also their treatment is challenging. For very ambitious materials, devices, and joining technologies as required for example for busbars, the ILK Dresden has developed a number of special solutions in recent years.

In particular, this includes quench detection and quench protection systems which in case of a failure ensure a safe transition from superconducting to normal state. The resulting heat release is diverted so that no destruction of devices occurs.

A very interesting application of superconducting magnets are storage rings of particle accelerators. They have to be operated in a large installation for a long period. ILK Dresden has manufactured numerous relevant components, most of them in cooperation with GSI, Darmstadt.