The Coupling-Loss-Induced-Quench (CLIQ) units will be integrated into the novel quench protection system for the HL-LHC Inner Triplet superconducting magnets at CERN.

In the event of a quench detection (the local transition from the superconducting to the resistive state), the 20 kJ stored in the CLIQ capacitors are released directly into the magnet coils through an LC oscillation, inducing high inter-filament and inter-strand coupling losses. This process triggers a uniform quench of the superconductor, effectively protecting the magnets.

Following the successful prototyping validation over several years, the first 6 machine version units (plus 2 spares) have been manufactured and tested satisfactorily. They are now scheduled for installation in the HL-LHC IT String in SM18.

By David Carrillo & Mirko Pojer

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