Semi-automatic beam-based alignment algorithm for the LHC collimation system

Full beam-based alignment of the LHC collimation system was a lengthy procedure as the collimators were setup manually. A yearly alignment campaign has been sufficient for now, although in future this may lead to a decrease in the cleaning efficiency if machine parameters such as the beam orbit drift over time. Automating the collimator setup procedure can allow for more frequent alignments, therefore reducing this risk. This paper describes the design and testing of a semi-automatic algorithm as a first step towards a fully automatic setup. Its implementation in the collimator control software and future plans are described.peer-reviewe

Comparison of LHC collimator beam-based alignment to BPM-interpolated centers

The beam centers at the Large Hadron Collider collimators are determined by beam-basedalignment, where both jaws of a collimator are moved in separately until a loss spike isdetected on a Beam Loss Monitor downstream. Orbit drifts of more than a few hundredmicrometers cannot be tolerated, as they would compromise the performance of thecollimation system. Beam Position Monitors (BPMs) are installed at various locations aroundthe LHC ring, and a linear interpolation of the orbit can be obtained at the collimatorpositions. In this paper, the results obtained from beam-based alignment are compared withthe orbit interpolated from the BPM data throughout the 2011 and 2012 LHC proton runs.Louisiana State University (LSU),U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science,COSYLAB,DIMTEL,Muons, Inc.peer-reviewe

Collimation dependent beam lifetime and loss rates in the LHC

The four primary collimators in each LHC beam define the smallest aperture. Particles with high betatron amplitudes or momentum offsets will therefore hit first a primary collimator. The instantaneous particle loss rate at primary collimators measured by precise beam loss monitors (BLM) is an important measure for the global lifetime of the beams and a major ingredient to identify collimation induced performance limitations in the LHC. These loss rates have been measured during a number of LHC fills, featuring both "good" fills with high luminosity and "bad" fills with beam instabilities. The beam lifetime at the collimators was then calculated from these data for different cases. The results are presented and interpreted within this paper.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion - Gobierno de Espana,Ayuntamiento de San Sebastian,Gobierno Vasco,Diputacion Foral de Gipuzkoa,San Sebastian Turismo - Convention Bureau.peer-reviewe

The FiDel model at 7 TeV

After the long shut down of 2013-2014, the LHC energy will be pushed toward 7 TeV. In this range of energy, the main magnets will enter a new regime. For this reason, this paper will present a detailed study of the performance of the FiDeL model that could be critical for the operation in 2015. In particular this paper will study the saturation component and its precision in the model, the errors due to the hysteresis, and an estimate of the dynamic effects for the 7 TeV operation.peer-reviewe

Comparison of LHC collimation setups with manual and semi-automatic collimator alignment

The LHC collimation system beam-based alignment procedure has recently been upgraded to a semi-automatic process in order to increase its efficiency. In this paper, we describe the parameters used to measure the accuracy, stability and performance of the beam-based alignment of the LHC collimation system. This is followed by a comparison of the results at 450 GeV and 3.5 TeV with (1) a manual alignment and (2) with the results for semi-automatic alignment.peer-reviewe

Improved aperture measurements at the LHC and results from their application in 2015

A good knowledge of the available aperture in the LHC is essential for a safe operation due to the risk of magnet quenches or even damage in case of uncontrolled beam losses. Experimental validations of the available aperture are therefore crucial and were in the past carried out by either a collimator scan combined with beam excitations or through the use of local orbit bumps. In this paper, we show a first comparison of these methods in the same machine configuration, as well as a new very fast method based on a beam-based collimator alignment and a new faster variant of the collimator scan method. The methods are applied to the LHC operational configuration for 2015 at injection and with squeezed beams and the measured apertures are presented.peer-reviewe

Preliminary assessment of beam impact consequences on LHC Collimators

The correct functioning of the LHC collimation system is crucial to attain the desired LHC luminosity performance. However, the requirements to handle high intensity beams can be demanding. In this respect, the robustness of the collimators plays an important role. An accident, which causes the proton beam to hit a collimator, might result in severe beam-induced damage and, in some cases, replacement of the collimator, with consequent downtime for the machine. In this paper, several case studies representing different realistic beam impact scenarios are shown. A preliminary analysis of the thermal response of tertiary collimators to beam impact is presented, from which the most critical cases can be identified. Such work will also help to give an initial insight on the operational constraints of the LHC by taking into account all relevant collimator damage limits.peer-reviewe