Abstract
The determination of the current distribution in full-size cable-in-conduit conductor is a relevant research activity in the framework of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, aimed at optimizing the performance of the superconducting cables to be used for the machine magnets. The direct measurement of current in the cable is not possible, and inverse techniques must be used, providing only rough estimates due to the severe ill conditioning of the problem. The measurement of magnetic field in the neighbourhood of superconducting cables is the first step in the estimation of the current distribution inside them. Uncertainties in this early phase may very adversely impact the reliability of the problem solution.
In this paper we study the impact on current reconstruction of possible errors in the measurement of magnetic field of superconducting cables of Cable in Conduit Conductor type, at low temperatures, close to 4.2 K, due to a number of physical and geometrical effects.