The 2020 update of the European Strategy for Particle Physics (CERN/3493/C/Rev) has identified a clear and immediate need for a reinforced R&D on advanced accelerator technologies, and in particular high-field superconducting magnets, including high-temperature superconductors.

The High Field Magnets R&D (HFM) Programme is the response that CERN has initiated, in collaboration with National Laboratories from the Member States and Associate Member States and linking possibly beyond to ongoing worldwide efforts, particularly in the US and Japan.

The HFM Programme – broad goals are:

• Explore the performance limits of LTS accelerator magnets with a focus on robust large-scale implementation
• Explore the HTS magnet technologies for accelerator application beyond the limits of Nb3Sn
• Develop the next generation of accelerator magnets for future colliders

Results are needed by the next update of the European Strategy for Particle Physics, expected to take place in the period 2025 to 2027.

HFM Gallery: 

Non-invasive method to investigate the internal structure of high-performance Nb3Sn wires combines X-ray microtomography with machine-learning. Courtesy UniGE.

Batch vacuum coating equipment for the KIT CERN Collaboration on Coated Conductor KC4.

RMM1 flat-racetrack magnet during loading operation. The magnet achieved 16.4 T in the central cavity. Courtesy of CERN MSC.

E-CLIQ device, designed for implementation in a SMC11T coil (left), simulated current oscillation in the E-CLIQ unit (middle), and simulated temperature rise in the coil (right). Courtesy CERN MPE group.