BACKGROUND

This project is sponsored by CERN (The European Center for Particle Physics). The problem that has been presented to us is the characterization of slip ring performance in a new device being used to measure magnetic field. Before entering into the specifics of what the device is, what slip rings are, and their involvement in the project, it is important to understand CERN’s field of work and why this project is important. CERN is a laboratory between the borders of Switzerland and France. The laboratories flagship project is the LHC (Large Hadron Collider), which is the world’s largest particle accelerator, with a circumference of 27 Km. The LHC is essentially a series of 2,000 high powered superconducting magnets joined together, each with a length of 15 meters.

Outline of the LHC across the border of France and Switzerland 

The LHC uses superconducting dipole magnets to create the necessary magnetic field used in the particle accelerator. Two super-conducting coils run on the top and the bottom of the magnet. A current is passed through them, creating large magnetic fields. The LHC has two bores in which particles can be accelerated, making a two-in-one accelerator. It is in these bores that the measurement of the magnetic field is essential, since the field must be homogenous across all magnets throughout the length of the LHC

Cross-Section of the LHC Dipole

LHC Diploe Rotating Coil System       

Slip Ring