Critical halo loss locations in the LHC

Results of simulations with all movable elements of the LHC collimation system [1] are discussed for various operation modes. Compared to previous results, the placing of additional collimators reduced the beam losses by a factor 10 in the ideal machine case, i.e. nominal collimators settings for both 450 GeV and 7 TeV beam energies. First results for Beam 2 are also reviewed. The sensitivity of the system to free orbit oscillations is addressed. These results show that it is sufficient to use a limited number of beam loss monitors (BLMs) for the setup and optimization of the LHC Collimation System

An alternative nonlinear collimation system for the LHC

The optics design of an alternative nonlinear collimation system for the LHC is presented. We discuss an optics scheme based on a single spoiler located in between a pair of skew sextupoles for betatron collimation. The nonlinear system allows opening up the collimator gaps, thereby, reduces the collimator impedance, which presently limits the LHC intensity. After placing secondary collimators at locations behind the spoiler, we analyze the beam losses and calculate the cleaning efficiency from tracking studies. The results are compared with those of the conventional linear collimation system