Title :
The Livermore Superconducting Levitron
Author :
Taylor, Clyde E. ; Duffy, Thomas J. ; Rossow, Terry L. ; Branum, David R. ; Sexton, James H. ; Leber, Robert L.
Author_Institution :
Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, University of California Livermore, California 94550
Abstract :
The Livermore Superconducting Levitron contains an 80-cm-diam superconducting ring as well as three pairs of superconducting coils that produce a poloidal field, that are 50, 112, and 160 cm in diameter respectively, and that are located 40 cm above and below the midplane of the ring. Twelve control coils and optical position sensors form a feedback system for maintaining the ring´s position. Magnetic damping plates above and below the ring prevent it from making accidental but dangerously violent movements. The ring was successfully tested about a year ago, and the entire system is now undergoing its first operating tests. Construction details and the initial operating results are presented here.
Keywords :
Control systems; Damping; Magnetic sensors; Optical control; Optical feedback; Optical sensors; Sensor systems; Superconducting coils; Superconducting magnets; System testing;
Journal_Title :
Nuclear Science, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TNS.1971.4326319