Patent GB-983000-A (GB)
Title: Apparatus for improving the homogeneity of a magnetic field
IPC: H01F7/20
Filed: 1961-12-18
Abstract: 983,000. Gyromagnetic testing. VARIAN ASSOCIATES. Dec. 18, 1961 [Dec. 19, 1960], No. 45292/61. Heading G1N. In an apparatus for improving the homogeneity of a volume of magnetic field by removing a particular undesired field gradient a similar plurality of spaced current paths is provided in each of a pair of substantially parallel planes on opposite sides of the volume of field, the spacing between current paths in the same plane being larger than their cross-section. Differing coil arrangements which are orthogonal are provided to deal with up to the fifth derivative of the gradient and variable resistors are provided to adjust the current in each coil arrangement. The apparatus is included in gyromagnetic testing apparatus, particularly of the type employing a spinning sample in order to improve spectral resolution. A mathematical analysis of the polarising field and fields arising from coils of particular dispositions and geometrics is included, it being assumed that one of the unidirectional field components is much greater than the other two, that the other component may be neglected and that the sample is to be spun. The field gradients at the origin (centre of the sample) from a long straight wire 20 of coil 18, Fig. 2, which is parallel to the X axis and disposed at Y 0 , Z 0  is determined, together with derivatives up to the fifth. With a pair of wires, one on each side of the sample at  Z 0 , it is shown that the nth derivative gradient is double, or vanishes at the origin according to whether n is even or odd, and that with current flow in opposite directions, field gradients with respect to X or Y vanish. The use of closed coils for the long wires 20 is a convennient way of obtaining equal current flow, but it is not essential to use such coils for removing the field gradient with respect to Y. The manner of determining the dimensions of coils 18, 19 and their location in each of a pair of planes on either side of the sample 1 for cancellation of the 3rd order gradient in the Y direction is described. Parallel connected batteries supply current through a resistor 25. An arrangement of two concentric rectangular coils 26, 27 Fig. 5, in each plane, the inner coils of which are fed through a potentiometer 28, provides for removing the second derivative anomolies with respect to Y. In this arrangement, the fourth order term from the coil can be made to vanish by the use of unequal coil currents, or by choice of coil location. A similar arrangement can be used for removing fourth order gradient, the current difference or coil locations being selected to have no 2nd order compensation. An arrangement of coils 30-33, Fig. 8, controls the 1st derivative gradient derived by interchanging the Y and Z axes; this is the term responsible for the objectionable first side band resonance. The coils are connected in series and current flow is in opposite directions in corresponding current paths. Such coils, when suitably placed to eliminate 1st order terms, yield a 3rd order effect which is negligible. The design considerations are set forth. A single rectangular coil in each plane providing for the elimination of 2nd order side bands effects is described with reference to Fig. 9.(not shown); and for the elimination of effects due to d<SP>2</SP>Bz/dy. dx gradient an arrangement of coils 34, 35 Fig. 10, is described. The use of circular current loops as an alternative correcting arrangement is described with reference to Figs. 11-16 (not shown) and a composite arrangement of circular and rectangular coils is described with reference to Fig. 17 (not shown).