HTS Current Concentrator for remote sensing of charged particle beams

The principle of the cryogenic Current Comparator, well-established at liquid helium temperatures, is demonstrated here using liquid nitrogen temperature components. By incorporating a novel current concentrator structure in the cylindrical YBCO thick-film coating, it is applied to the noninvasive sensing of charged particle beams. The significant design parameters for the effective operation of the current concentrator are examined, and experimental measurements are compared with theoretical predictions. The device has been successfully operated in prototype form with ion and electron beam currents, and its inherent current sensitivity is estimated to cover the range from <0.1 nA-20 mA.