Helical Superconducting Undulator Magnetic Field Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current undulators face challenges in achieving precise magnetic field tapering and controlling high-multipole magnetic moments near the ends, which affects the quality of electron beam trajectory and radiation in high-energy physics applications, especially for 3rd and 4th generation synchrotron light sources and free-electron lasers.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting undulator device with a double-helix magnetic structure and turn-around pins near the ends, using a single superconducting wire to generate tapered, symmetric magnetic field profiles, and a strong-back enclosure for mechanical and thermal support, allowing for precise control of magnetic fields and electron beam trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional undulator designs are used with separate magnet assemblies, then magnetic field control is achievable, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate magnet assemblies into a single integrated superconducting magnet assembly. The superconducting wire is wound in a helical pattern around a central axis, creating alternating magnetic fields in a single continuous structure rather than requiring multiple separate magnet assemblies. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining precise magnetic field control through the superconducting material's properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The superconducting magnet assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates the alternating magnetic fields required for undulator operation, provides structural support, and enables precise field control through its superconducting properties. The helical winding configuration allows a single assembly to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, achieving multi-functionality that reduces overall device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If permanent magnets are used in undulators, then device simplicity is maintained, but radiation exposure causes demagnetization and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of magnetic material from permanent magnets to superconducting materials. Superconducting materials can be cooled to maintain their superconducting state, and when properly designed with appropriate cooling systems, they exhibit superior resistance to radiation-induced demagnetization compared to permanent magnets. This parameter change enables the undulator to maintain reliable magnetic field stability under high-radiation conditions while remaining manufacturable.
3Productivity
If longer undulator lengths are used to increase radiation intensity, then radiation output increases, but mechanical alignment and structural straightness become more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the long undulator structure into multiple modular sections, each with its own superconducting magnet assembly. These segmented modules can be manufactured with high precision in controlled environments and then assembled into a complete long undulator. The modular design maintains structural straightness and alignment precision while enabling the construction of very long undulators that produce high-intensity radiation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables high-energy, concentrated single-mode beams with improved magnetic field control, maintaining electron beam quality and radiation intensity, while simplifying construction and cooling processes, and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a superconducting wire wrapping the core and disposed within the helical groove, the wire forming a multilayer coil configured to receive and carry a current and to cooperate with the core to generate magnetic fields for guiding the charged particle beam
Implementation Method 2
superconducting undulator technologies for use in particle accelerators
Data Source
AI summary
A helical superconducting undulator includes a cylindrical magnetic core through which a bore hole allows the passage of charged particles. A single superconducting wire wraps the magnetic core guided by helical flights and cylindrical protrusions, to create interleaved helical windings on the magnetic core. An electrical current may be supplied to the superconducting wire to generate a periodic helical magnetic field in the bore. The helical superconducting undulator also includes a strong-back enclosure that acts as an epoxy mold during epoxy impregnation, a structural support to ensure straightness of the undulator after epoxy impregnation, and assists in cooling and thermal control of the magnetic core and superconducting wire during device operation.