Multi-purpose fiber optic sensors for hts magnets

Magnets using new high temperature superconductor (HTS) materials are showing great promise for high magnetic field and/or radiation environment applications such as particle accelerators, NMR, and the plasma-confinement systems for fusion reactors. The development and operation of these magnets is limited, however, because appropriate sensors and diagnostic systems are not yet available to monitor the manufacturing and operational processes that dictate success. Optical fibers are being developed to be embedded within the HTS magnets to monitor strain, temperature and irradiation, and to detect quenches. In the case of Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_x (Bi2212), the fiber will be used as a heat treatment process monitor to ensure that the entire magnet has reached thermal equilibrium. Real-time measurements will aid the development of high-field magnets that are subject to large Lorentz forces and allow the effective detection of quenches so that the stored energy of operating magnets can be extracted and/or dissipated without damaging the magnet.