Successful testing of the HL-LHC high-luminosity superconducting “python” superconducting link announced

This innovative superconducting link, developed at CERN, is essential for the new HL-LHC cold feed system. Its main function is to optimize the focusing of the proton beams at the ATLAS and CMS collision sites by means of the internal magnetic triplets.

The innovative superconducting bond

This system integrates state-of-the-art superconducting technologies. Unlike traditional LHC superconducting wires, which require superfluid helium(at 1.9 K or -272.2 °C) or liquid helium(at 4.5 K), the new superconducting component can operate at temperatures down to 60 K(-213.2 °C). In terms of superconductivity, this is considered a “high temperature”.

According to Amalia Ballarino, leader of the Cold Powering Work Package of the HL-LHC, one of the key advantages of this system is its operation with helium gas, which implies zero cost for the cryogenic cooling of the superconducting bond, as it uses the helium gas gas needed to cool the actual conductors. This is one of the benefits of high temperature superconductors.

In addition, the superconducting link and its flexible cryostat can be wound on a large drum, similar to conventional power transmission cables. This design promises great potential for future accelerators and applications beyond accelerator technology, including clean aviation, where large current transfer is required.

The first cold feed system of the HL-LHC

You have recently passed your initial tests at the SM18 test facility. Although “the python” had been fully qualified in previous research and development phases, this is the first time a complete power transmission system has been successfully built in the final phase. This system transfers current from room temperature to the liquid helium environment using superconducting technologies such as MgB2 and REBCO.

The superconductor for the high-luminosity LHC. Source: CERN

The next steps will be taken in early summer, when the cold feed system will be moved to the HL-LHC IT chain. There, the collective behavior of the internal triple magnetic system will be tested prior to its subway installation in the LHC during the next long technical shutdown (LS3), scheduled to begin in 2026.

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Source and photo: CERN