Measurement of Fast Voltage Transients in High-Performance ${\rm Nb}_{3}{\rm Sn}$ Magnets

The superconducting magnet group at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has been developing Nb₃Sn high-field accelerator magnet technology for the last fifteen years. In order to support the magnet R&D effort, we are developing a diagnostic system that can help identify the causes of performance limiting quenches by recording small flux-changes within the magnet prior to quench-onset. These analysis techniques were applied to the test results from recent Nb₃Sn magnets. This paper will examine various types of events and their distinguishing characteristics. The present measurement techniques are discussed along with the design of a new data acquisition system that will substantially improve the quality of the recorded signals.