Superconducting magnets, are cryogenic electromagnets capable of producing extraordinary field strengths. Superconducting magnets are a key area of expertise at CERN. However, the superconducting magnets needed for new therapy synchrotrons and gantries pose unique challenges. The challenges include, a small curvature radius, fast ramping rates, and incorporating focusing quadrupoles.
 

To tackle these issues, the NIMMS project has initiated the creation of three European collaborations tasked with designing and producing four demonstrator magnets. The collaborations will each concentrate on a specific magnet technology, with the aim of fulfilling the final objectives.

Once these five demonstrator magnets are built and evaluated, which is expected by late 2025, the most suitable prototype magnets of the gantry and synchrotron will be selected.

The following table highlights these four demonstrator magnets:

The two figures below show the preliminary design for the cos-theta magnet as foreseen for the superconducting gantry, which is set to be produced by the CNAO-INFN-CERN-MedAustron collaboration.

Preliminary design of the cos theta magnet for gantries (courtesy M. Karppinen, CERN):
Preliminary design of the CCT magnet demonstrators (courtesy E. De Matteis, INFN):

These superconducting magnets will act as the backbone of new heavy ion therapy centers, allowing smaller gantries, more compact synchrotrons and shorter transfer lines.