Gyrotron Systems
Cryomagnetics is the world-leading manufacturer of superconducting magnet systems used with gyrotron tubes. Applications vary from high-power radar and plasma heating to non-lethal weapon use.
Our ruggedized, cryogen-free gryotron magnet systems help contribute to the success of major U.S. Government projects such as Active Denial.
The Wendelstein-7 Project in Germany uses eight (8) gyrotron superconducting magnet systems (delivered and operational) from Cryomagnetics for microwave heating.
At present, Cryomagnetics is involved in several projects with ITER. We have completed two projects with ORNL (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) involving superconducting cabling splices and joining.
In addition, Cryomagnetics is manufacturing a prototype gyrotron superconducting magnet system for ITER.
Gyrotron systems usually consist of several distinct elements. First is the magnetron injection gun, second is the cavity region where the beam is generated, and last is the collector region where the beam is deposited. In order for a gyrotron system to operate, each of the elements above must be in a proper magnetic field.
Cryomagnetics specializes in magnets and cryostats that house gyrotron elements for optimum performance.
The Capability
As one can imagine, the magnetic properties of such a system are very complex. For example, a typical system may have a magnetic field intensity of 55 kilogauss in the cavity region. An independently energized gun (bucking) coil will be located at a point where the field from the cavity coil(s) has fallen off to a particular level. Likewise, on the end of the magnet opposite the gun coil, some systems have a collector coil which is operated in the aiding sense relative to the cavity coil.
To accomplish all required specifications, this particular gyrotron magnet consists of five separate superconducting coils — two main cavity/interaction region coils, a gun coil, a transverse X coil, and a transverse Y coil. Several magnetic field operating modes are possible. For example, the two main coils can be charged independently at different levels to create a taper in the cavity area. The transverse X and Y coils can also be charged separately to tune the beam.
To provide for proper transmission of the electron beam inside the gyrotron, superconducting coils must be precisely aligned with the mechanical axis of the bore. Tight machining tolerances to the coil former, precise magnet winding techniques, and exacting welding and calibration techniques must all be employed to deliver such a demanding system.
Equally demanding is the cryostat required for the gyrotron. In addition to the usual cryogen consumption specifications and the precision machining details described above, there can be other significant details. For example, we have built gyrotron cryostats capable of supporting over 4000 pounds and still have low cryogen consumption rates. The special cryostats we have built are too numerous to list here. Because we have the capability to custom design superconducting magnets and cryostats as a complete system, we can provide a better solution to your experimental needs.
The majority of today’s systems are cryogen-free. This allows for a very compact system and low maintenance (no liquid cryogen refills).
Cryomagnetics has all the key elements in-house to deliver these systems. Precision machining and fully equipped welding and magnet construction facilities are all under one roof. The in-house engineering staff can fully assess the system as it is being constructed. This allows us to build and deliver a system of superior quality and workmanship. This is one of many reasons Cryomagnetics is entrusted with high-profile, National projects both domestically and abroad.
Testing
In the tradition of Cryomagnetics’ quality control plan, the gyrotron magnet is exhaustively tested before it is integrated into the cryostat. All magnet specifications are verified. After we are satisfied with the preliminary tests, cryostat assembly begins. Upon completion of the cryostat, another series of full system tests are performed at the factory. The customer is welcome and encouraged to attend these tests. Only after successful completion of all tests will the system be shipped.
As an option, customers can specify installation of their new system on site. At that point, Cryomagnetics’ engineers and/or technicians would set up the system at the customer’s site and repeat the system test procedure.
Custom applications are quoted by request. Contact us with your specifications.
In order to provide a price quotation, we require the following information:
- Magnetic field profile requirements.
- Room temperature bore diameter and orientation.
- Any size restrictions.
- Type of cooling (cryogen-free or liquid helium)
A typical system will include rack mounted power supplies, temperature monitors, and touch-screen controller system (computer and custom control software).
Please click on the following links for more information:
Please Contact Cryomagnetics at sales@cryomagnetics.com or your local Sales Representative for a price quotation.
Cryomagnetics offers online ordering for electronic instrumentation:
- 4G Bipolar Power Supplies
- Liquid Cryogen Level Monitoring & Control
- Temperature Monitoring & Control
- Magnetic Field Monitoring & Control