For the last four years we participated in the EU-funded I.FAST project (ifast-project.eu). Particle accelerators doing slow extraction of their beams have extreme requirements on magnet stability. We accepted the challenge to develop a sensor for accelerator magnet current measurements capable of resolving milliamp fluctuations on top of some kiloamp DC currents with several 10kHz bandwidth.
And we succeeded!
Pushing current sensor resolution below 1ppm for 40kHz bandwidth and at 5kA DC current was engaging. Not only because of the technical requirements of the sensor itself. But also because of the need to test actual performance and prove success. Having access to CERN’s high current test stand allowed us to validate our development under realistic conditions.
Participation in the I.FAST project gave us the unique opportunity to push limits and strengthen our links with particle accelerator laboratories. Obtained knowledge helps us to better serve our markets and opens new perspectives.
The final work package report is available at https://zenodo.org/records/15100607.