Research Magnet Technology

"Research Magnet Technology" presents an overview of the technologies necessary to provide high magnetic fields as a research tool mainly, but by no means exclusively, for condensed matter physics. Taken from the perspective of the author's career spanning four decades, it contains a historical component while at the same time deals with state-of-the-art and future developments. Several technologies are described: classical electrical engineering (copper/water-cooled multi-megawatt), superconducting magnets (both low and high temperature), hybrid magnets, non-destructive pulsed magnets, and destructive non-continuous techniques for ultra-high fields. The world's dedicated magnet laboratories are described parallel to the involvement of the industry. Examples of major scientific advances that have used high fields will be explored and future applications indicated. Moreover, the many distinguished and colorful scientists and engineers who have made an impression on the author over the last 40 years are featured anecdotally where appropriate. Unlike most books on magnet technology and related topics that are either rigorous textbooks with a heavy mathematical content or popular works which treat the magnet as an interesting curiosity, this book adopts a unique approach by balancing the two extremes.