Super-FRS Magnet tests in B180 -- K. Sugita (GSI), G. Riddone (CERN), H. Bajas (GSI)

Thursday 18 Jun 2026, 10:30 → 12:00 Europe/Zurich

CERN

Franco Julio Mangiarotti (CERN)

The seminar will provide an overview of the ongoing collaboration activities related to the testing of the Super-FRS magnets at CERN. GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research hosts FAIR, one of the world’s leading accelerator facilities for research with antiprotons and heavy ions. FAIR is designed to investigate the structure of matter, nuclear physics, astrophysics, and applications in materials science and medicine through the use of high-intensity and high-energy particle beams.

The Super-FRS is one of the flagship experimental installations of FAIR. It is a large superconducting fragment separator designed to produce, separate, and identify rare radioactive ion beams with unprecedented precision and intensity. The system relies on advanced superconducting magnet technology to transport and analyze exotic nuclei generated in high-energy collisions. Prior to installation and commissioning at FAIR, the Super-FRS magnets undergo extensive qualification and acceptance tests at CERN in order to validate their superconducting performance, magnetic field quality, cryogenic behavior, protection systems, and operational reliability under demanding conditions representative of future operation.

10:30 → 10:50 Introduction to GSI and FAIR

The first part, presented by K. Sugita, will introduce the scientific and technological framework of GSI and the FAIR project. The presentation will review the scientific motivations driving FAIR, including studies of nuclear matter, the synthesis of heavy elements in astrophysical environments, and the investigation of rare isotopes far from stability. An overview of the accelerator complex and experimental facilities will be provided, together with the role of superconducting magnet systems within the accelerator and beam transport infrastructure. Particular attention will be given to the technical requirements of the Super-FRS magnets, including field strength, operational stability, cryogenic integration, and beam optics constraints. K. Sugita will also present the current status of the installation and commissioning activities of the FAIR accelerator complex and associated experimental facilities.

Speakers: Kei SUGITA, Dr Kei Sugita (GSI - Helmholtzzentrum fur Schwerionenforschung GmbH (DE))

10:50 → 11:10 Collaboration agreements and CERN facility

The second contribution, by G. Riddone, will focus on the collaboration framework established between GSI/FAIR and CERN for superconducting magnet development and testing activities. The presentation will describe the agreements enabling the use of CERN’s specialized infrastructure and expertise for the qualification of large superconducting systems. It will outline the organization of the collaborative activities, including project coordination, logistics, integration of test equipment, safety aspects, and technical support. Emphasis will be placed on the synergies between the institutions, the sharing of know-how in superconducting technologies and cryogenic systems, and the role of CERN facilities in supporting the development, validation, and long-term reliability assessment of the Super-FRS magnets.

Speaker: Dr Germana Riddone (CERN)

11:10 → 11:30 Overview of magnetic tests and main outcomes

Finally, H. Bajas will present an overview of the qualification tests performed on the superferric Super-FRS magnets at the CERN test facility prior to their installation at FAIR. The study covers leak and electrical tests, magnet training, and magnetic field quality measurements. Particular emphasis will be placed on the magnetic measurement systems (Single Stretched Wire, Translating Flux Meter, and Mapper) and on the results obtained in terms of magnet alignment and field harmonics for both dipoles and multiplets. The performance of the CERN test facility will also be discussed in detail (cryogenics cross-talk, parallel operation), together with the lessons learned for the future commissioning and reliable operation of the Super-FRS at FAIR.

Speaker: Hugues Marie Alain Bajas (GSI - Helmholtzzentrum fur Schwerionenforschung GmbH (DE))

11:30 → 12:00 Discussion