Semi-Retractable Current Leads for a 21 T FT-ICR Magnet System

Abstract

The development of the semi-retractable current leads for a 21 T Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance (FT-ICR) superconducting magnet system is presented. The semi-retractable current leads are composed of a normal metal element, conducting the current from room temperature to intermediate temperature, and an HTS element, conducting the current down to liquid helium temperature. An HTS element is partly immersed in liquid helium and the joint between the normal metal and HTS element is continuously refrigerated by a cryocooler. After magnet energization the metal element is disengaged from the HTS element without breaking vacuum to the insulating vacuum space. In the paper, the optimized dimensions of the leads are presented in order to minimize the thermal heat load when carrying operational current with some margin. The intermediate block with a lockable set point and the insulating vacuum system are fabricated and the adaptability and reliability are tested during engage and disengage performance. The effects of vacuum level and performance cycle on the electrical contact resistance in a lockable set are also investigated.