Superconducting electromagnets operate differently from conventional copper electromagnets, including in terms of how they focus their electromagnetic force.
In a conventional copper electromagnet, the electromagnetic force is primarily concentrated in the core of the electromagnet. This is because copper electromagnets typically consist of a coil of wire wound around a ferromagnetic core, such as iron. The ferromagnetic core enhances the magnetic field produced by the current flowing through the coil, concentrating the magnetic field lines within the core and increasing the strength of the electromagnet.
On the other hand, superconducting electromagnets utilize superconducting materials that exhibit zero electrical resistance when cooled below a critical temperature. These superconductors are typically in the form of wires or coils. When a superconducting wire or coil is cooled below its critical temperature, it can carry an electric current without any energy loss.
Superconducting electromagnets have several advantages over conventional electromagnets, including higher magnetic fields and greater efficiency. Due to the absence of resistance, the current in a superconducting electromagnet can flow indefinitely without generating heat or energy loss. This allows for the generation of much stronger magnetic fields compared to conventional electromagnets.
In terms of focusing the electromagnetic force, superconducting electromagnets typically rely on the geometry and design of the coil or magnet structure. By shaping the superconducting material into a specific configuration, such as a solenoid or other complex geometries, the magnetic field can be concentrated and shaped according to the desired application. In some cases, additional magnetic shielding or pole pieces may be used to further optimize the magnetic field distribution.
In summary, superconducting electromagnets differ from conventional copper electromagnets in their operating principles and construction. Superconducting electromagnets utilize superconducting materials to generate stronger magnetic fields with higher efficiency. The focusing of the electromagnetic force in a superconducting electromagnet is achieved through the design and geometry of the superconducting coil or magnet structure.