Summary
This paper proposes and validates an acoustic quench detection method using commercially available MEMS piezoelectric sensors (Vesper VM1000) with two amplifier topologies characterised across cryogenic temperatures in a laboratory cryocooler. The LMH6629-based amplifier demonstrated superior performance at 60 K, whilst the MEMS microphones retained useful sensitivity to approximately 165 K. Acoustic modelling was developed to calibrate measurements despite significant thermal gradients in the test apparatus.
UK applicability
The findings are relevant to UK institutions developing superconducting magnet systems for particle physics, fusion energy research, or medical imaging applications, particularly those requiring real-time quench detection. Adoption would depend on integration feasibility with existing magnet designs and cryogenic infrastructure.
Key measures
Microphone gain and sensitivity (100 Hz–10 kHz frequency band); amplifier gain reduction across temperature range (60–230 K); signal-to-noise ratio; acoustic response in cryogenic helium at 1.2–1.4 bar pressure
Outcomes reported
The study characterised MEMS piezoelectric microphone performance and amplifier circuits at cryogenic temperatures (60–165 K) in helium gas to assess suitability for acoustic quench detection in superconducting magnets. Performance metrics included frequency response, signal-to-noise ratios, and thermal sensitivity across temperature ranges.
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