Prospects to apply machine learning to optimize the operation of the crystal collimation system at the LHC

Crystal collimation relies on the use of bent crystals to coherently deflect halo particles onto dedicated collimator absorbers. This scheme is planned to be used at the LHC to improve the betatron cleaning efficiency with high-intensity ion beams. Only particles with impinging angles below 2.5 urad relative to the crystalline planes can be efficiently channeled at the LHC nominal top energy of 7 Z TeV. For this reason, crystals must be kept in optimal alignment with respect to the circulating beam envelope to maximize the efficiency of the channeling process. Given the small angular acceptance, achieving optimal channeling conditions is particularly challenging. Furthermore, the different phases of the LHC operational cycle involve important dynamic changes of the local orbit and optics, requiring an optimized control of position and angle of the crystals relative to the beam. To this end, the possibility to apply machine learning to the alignment of the crystals, in a dedicated setup and in standard operation, is considered. In this paper, possible solutions for automatic adaptation to the changing beam parameters are highlighted and plans for the LHC ion runs starting in 2022 are discussed.peer-reviewe