Field synthesis in solenoidal magnetic systems

Two basic approaches to the problem of magnetic field synthesis-local and integral-are compared in this review. Although the local approach was formulated long ago, in the precomputer era, and has been important in the design of magnetic systems, it is inadequate when a given magnetic field configuration is required in a working area. The integral approach takes into account the shape, size, and location of the working area where the field is to be produced and so is more appropriate to the problem and always yields a better synthesis. Several algorithms and some examples of magnetic field synthesis in solenoidal iron-free systems are presented in the review. Various aspects of magnetic field correction are discussed in detail