High magnetic field gradient strength superconducting coil system
AssigneeStern Magnetics, LLC
InventorsShahin Pourrahimi, Nadder Pourrahimi, William Frederick Punchard, Piotr Marian Starewicz
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Abstract
High magnetic field gradient strength superconducting coil systems for use in medical applications are provided. Systems capable of providing time-varying gradient magnetic field strength greater than 50 mT/m, over a spherical volume with a diameter greater than 20 centimeters include superconducting gradient coils and a heat conduction assemblage in physical contact with each coil.
Claims24
A system capable of providing time-varying gradient magnetic field strength greater than 50 mT/m over a spherical volume with a diameter greater than 20 centimeters, the system comprising:
- a plurality of gradient coils, each comprising superconductive conductors that, above a critical temperature TC, exhibit electrical resistance;
- and
- a heat conduction assemblage, a portion of the assemblage in physical contact with each coil,
- such that heat generated in association with the time-varying gradient magnetic field is capable of being conducted through the assemblage and away from the conductors to achieve a steady-state system temperature below TC and thereby maintaining the conductors in a superconducting state.
A system capable of providing time-varying gradient magnetic field strength greater than 50 mT/m, over a spherical volume with a diameter greater than 20 centimeters, the system comprising:
- three mutually orthogonal shielded gradient coils, each comprising twisted multifilamentary Nb3Sn A15 compound wires that, above 16 K, exhibit electrical resistance;
- three composite bobbins, each composite bobbin in physical contact with an associated gradient coil, each bobbin comprising an array of thermally conductive elements disposed within an electrical insulator;
- three shielding coil composite bobbins, each shielding coil composite bobbin in physical contact with an associated shielding coil, each shielding coil bobbin comprising an array of thermally conductive elements disposed within an electrical insulator;
- a thermally conductive mass in physical contact with the bobbins at a distance from the coils;
- and
- a mechanical cryocooler in thermal communication with the mass, the cryocooler capable of absorbing heat being conducted away from the shielded gradient coils to achieve a steady-state system temperature below 16 K and thereby maintaining the wires in a superconducting state.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.