ANALYSIS OF ADVANTAGES OBTAINABLE USING MgB2 IN THE DESIGN OF ELECTROMAGNETS WITH IRON YOKE FOR MRI
The discovery of superconductivity in MgB 2 gives the chance to study the application in magnet design in conjunction with the use of cryocoolers. Central field and compactness of conventional copper electromagnets with iron yoke can be improved using superconducting materials. The possibility to use MgB 2 is under investigation. A critical current density of 1000 A/mm 2 at 4.2K, at self-field, can be considered a typical value for this material. Taking into account temperature and magnetic field dependence and constructional packing factors we have considered a more realistic engineering current for our study. In the frame of a cooperation among CRIS and ESAOTE, the feasibility of a MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) electromagnet by using MgB 2 will be investigated. For a preliminary magnet configuration, a typical iron profile has been considered to drive the magnetic flux and to obtain sufficient final magnetic field homogeneity. Additional considerations concern possible modification in magnetic design to take maximum advantage by the use of MgB 2 conductor.