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Superconducting magnets
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Zero-resistance coils make huge fields.
Coils of niobium–titanium or similar cooled with liquid helium carry large currents without losses, producing fields of 10+ T. Used in MRI, LHC and fusion devices.
LHC dipoles are 8.3 T at 1.9 K.
A quench can destroy the coil.
In more detail
Superconducting magnets carry large currents with zero resistance, producing very strong fields with little power loss. They must be kept at low temperatures.
Real-world uses
- MRI scanners use superconducting magnets.
- Particle accelerators such as the LHC rely on superconducting magnets.
- Hospitals and particle physics labs use superconducting magnets to produce very strong fields with low energy loss.
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Frequently asked questions
Why must they be cooled?
Superconductivity only occurs below a critical temperature.
Can they lose superconductivity?
Yes, if the field or current exceeds critical values, which is called quenching.
Why do superconducting magnets need cooling?
Superconductivity only persists at low temperatures, so the coils are kept in liquid helium or in cryogenic coolers.
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