Superconductive Magnetic Field Stabilizer

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The invention describes a device for applying a highly stable and constant magnetic field to a specific volume of interest (VOI). It achieves this by using a combination of a magnetic field source, a permeable yoke to guide the magnetic flux, and at least one superconductive closed conductor loop (coil or ring) positioned around the yoke. When the conductor is in the superconducting state, it generates counteracting currents to automatically stabilize and maintain the magnetic flux through the yoke, even in the presence of disturbances. This design allows efficient field stabilization without interfering with the desired magnetic field distribution in the VOI.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improving the performance and field stability of magnetic lenses in electron microscopes (e.g., for high-resolution imaging and analysis).
• Enhancing magnetic field homogeneity in NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) measurement setups, leading to more accurate spectroscopy and imaging.
• Stabilizing magnetic fields in particle traps—such as ion traps, Bose-Einstein condensate traps, or general elementary particle traps—for precise experimental conditions.
• Providing stable magnetic fields in steering or detector magnets in particle accelerators, which is critical for beam analysis and particle manipulation.
• Applications in quantum measurement devices and sensitive physics experiments where low-noise, stable magnetic fields are crucial.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Greatly improved temporal constancy and stability of magnetic fields in the volume of interest compared to previous methods.
• Magnetic field stabilizer can be physically separated from the VOI, minimizing interference with the field distribution critical for many sensitive measurements.
• The full critical current of the superconducting loop is available to compensate flux fluctuations, yielding a wider and more robust control range.
• Reduced influence of external electromagnetic disturbances, material noise (e.g., Barkhausen noise), and temperature-related field drift.
• Enhanced flexibility—quick field adjustment is possible by selectively transitioning the conductor loop between superconducting and normal states.
• Compatibility with high-temperature superconducting materials, making system integration and operation more practical.
• Applicable as a modular upgrade or add-on for existing scientific and industrial magnetic systems, potentially without major redesigns.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Within the scope of the invention, an apparatus for applying a constant magnetic field to a volume of interest (VOI) has been developed. This apparatus comprises at least one magnetic field source and a permeable yoke, which guides the magnetic flux generated by this magnetic field source into the volume of interest (VOI). In accordance with the invention, the yoke is guided through at least one closed conductor loop which can be transferred to the superconductive state so that, in the superconductive state of the conductor loop, a change in the flux through the yoke effects a current counteracting this change along the conductor loop. It has been identified that in this way the stabilizer for the magnetic field can be spaced so far apart from the volume of interest (VOI) that the field distribution in this volume is virtually no longer influenced. At the same time, the quality of the stabilization is also improved since the conductor loop is no longer subjected to the entire magnetic field prevailing in the volume of interest (VOI). The entire critical current that the conductor loop can carry is available as control range for compensating for fluctuations in the flux. In comparison with the prior art, the invention first accepts the apparent disadvantage that, in general, additional means are required for connecting the conductor loop to and fro between the superconductive state and the normal conductive state. However, this disadvantage is more than compensated for.