Production and performance of the LHC interaction region quadrupoles at KEK

The MQXA superconducting low-beta quadrupole magnets for the LHC interaction regions are required to generate a field gradient of up to 215 T/m at 1.9 K along an effective magnetic length of 6.37 m. After completion of an R&D program on short models and full length prototypes, the series production of magnets has started, with to date five series magnets subsequently tested at KEK. Basic characteristics such as normal training, subsequent full energy dump, thermal cycle, ramp rate dependence and temperature dependence have been studied and results indicate that magnets have satisfactory quench performance. Magnetic field measurements performed at 1.9 K show the field quality to be uniform and to satisfy the stringent beam optics requirements. (10 refs).