Patent ID: 8035379
Filing Date: 2011-10-11
Classification: G01R,H01F

Abstract:
1. A method for introducing current into a superconducting magnet having a superconducting switch connected across terminals of the superconducting magnet, said terminals being connected to current leads having a first current limiting value associated therewith, the method comprising the steps of: connecting a controlled switch across the superconducting switch, the controlled switch being selected to respond more rapidly to control signals than the superconducting switch; controlling the controlled switch to be in an OFF state; applying a progressively increasing continuous current through said current leads into the superconducting magnet, until said first limiting value is reached; applying a pulsed current through in pulses the current leads to the magnet, at least some of the pulses of the pulsed current exceeding the first limiting value, and the controlled switch is controlled to be in an ON state when current is not flowing through the current leads; once a desired current is flowing in the superconducting magnet, ceasing application of the pulsed current and maintaining the controlled switch in an ON state until the superconducting switch becomes superconducting; controlling the controlled switch to an OFF state, such that the current in the magnet flows through the current leads; and reducing the current flowing in the current leads such that increasing current flows through the superconducting switch.