Linear decomposition method for approximating arbitrary magnetic field profiles by optimization of discrete electromagnet currents

A method for approximating arbitrary axial magnetic field profiles for a given solenoidal electromagnet coil array is described. The method casts the individual contributions from each coil as a truncated orthonormal basis for the space within the array. This truncated basis allows for the linear decomposition of an arbitrary profile function, which returns the appropriate currents for each coil to best reproduce the desired profile. We present the mathematical details of the method along with a detailed example of its use. The results from the method are used in a simulation and compared with magnetic field measurements.