Status of the LHC low-β\beta insertion quadrupole magnet development at KEK

The development of the LHC low-beta insertion quadrupole magnets has been conducted at KEK since 1996. After the successful development of short model magnets, the first prototype magnet has been built by Toshiba and is tested at KEK. Although the quench performance and the field quality of the magnet are satisfactory, a design problem is found in one of the end spacers. The problem increases the risk of a turn-to-turn and in fact causes shorts in the second prototype magnet, and in the trial coil of the first production magnet. The design is modified and the problem appears to be resolved. The construction of the production magnets is now started and lasts till the summer of 2004. (9 refs)

Fabrication and mechanical behavior of a prototype for the LHC low-β\beta quadrupole magnets

Superconducting low-beta quadrupole magnets for the LHC insertion regions are being developed at KEK as part of the collaboration between CERN and KEK. Magnet production technology developed at KEK has been transferred to a manufacturer of production magnets. In order to verify the production technology, fabrication jigs, tools, and procedures, the first full-scale prototype, MQXA-P1, was fabricated. Mechanical characteristics of MQXA-P1 were measured during the magnet assembly process, and it satisfied specifications needed for the production magnets. The validity of the magnet design and fabrication method was confirmed. (14 refs)