Superconducting magnet coils for the 'Omega' spark chamber at CERN

Superconducting windings of zero electrical resistance are being carried over from the development stage into industrial application. Brown Boveri are building the superconducting d.c. excitation system for the 'Omega' magnet which will be used for nuclear physics research at CERN. The magnet will weigh 1300 t and its excitation coils will have an overall diameter of 5 m. Magnet, coils and type of conductor are described. Special requirements and design features of the electrical insulation, thermal insulation, and mechanical support system for the windings operating under high vacuum at -269 degrees C are discussed. (15 refs).