Log-ratio circuit for beam position monitoring

The logarithmic ratio of the signal amplitudes from beam-position probe-electrodes provides a normalized real-time analog signal that is more linear in beam displacement than other signal-processing techniques for circular cross-section, beam-position monitors. This paper describes work being done to develop a log-ratio circuit using an inexpensive, commercially available, logarithmic-response, integrated-circuit rf-amplifier. The circuit uses two amplifiers in a log (A) {minus} log (B) = log (A/B) configuration to provide the logarithmic ratio of the two rf input signals from the probe. The output is a real-time analog signal proportional to beam displacement. 4 refs., 7 figs

Log-ratio circuit for beam position monitoring

A synopsis is given of work in progress on a new signal processing technique for obtaining real-time normalized beam position information from sensing electrodes in accelerator beam pipes. The circuit employs wideband logarithmic amplifiers in a configuration that converts pickup electrode signals to position signals that are substantially independent of beam current. The circuit functions as a ratio detector that computes the logarithm of (A/B) as (Log A-Log B), and presents the result in a video (real-time analog) format representing beam position. It has potential benefits of greater dynamic range and better linearity than other techniques currently used and it may be able to operate at substantially higher frequencies. 4 refs., 8 figs

Noninterceptive beam energy measurements in line D of the Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility

Several members of the Accelerator and Operations Technology (AOT) division beam-diagnostics team performed time-of-flight (TOF) beam-energy measurements in line D of the Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility (LAMPF) using developmental beam time. These measurements provided information for a final design of an on-line beam energy measurement. The following paper discusses these measurements and how they apply to the final beam energy measurement design

Position measurements for the isotope production facility and the switchyard kicker upgrade projects

The Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) is installing two beam lines to both improve operational tuning and provide new capabilities within the facility. The Isotope Production Facility (IPF) will provide isotopes for medical purposes by using the H' beam spur at 100 MeV and the Switchyard Kicker Upgrade (SYK) will allow the LANSCE 800-MeV H beam to be rapidly switched between various beam lines within the facility. The beam position measurements for both of these beam lines uses a standard micro-stripline beam position monitor (BPM) with both a 50-mm and 75-mm radius. The cable plant is unique in that it unambiguously provides a method of verifying the operation of the complete position measurement. The processing electronics module uses a log ratio technique with error corrections such that it has a dynamic range of -12 dBm to -85 dBm with errors less than 0.15 dB within this range. This paper will describe the primary components of these measurement systems and provide initial data of their operation

Upgrade to Initial BPM Electronics Module and Beamline Components for Calibration of the LEDA Beam Position Measurements

The Low-Energy Demonstration Accelerator (LEDA), designed and built at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, is part of the Accelerator Production of Tritium (APT) program and provides a platform for measuring high-power proton beam-halo formation. Beam Position Monitors (BPMs) are placed along the FODO lattice and the HEBT. The BPM systems employing log-ratio processor electronics have recently been upgraded for all fifteen BPMs along the accelerator. Two types of calibration are now used. The first corrects for errors within the electronics module and the log-amp transfer function non-conformity. The second is a single-point routine used to correct for cable plant attenuation differences. This paper will also cover the new switching systems used for various system calibration modes as well as various results from LEDA beam runs. New switching algorithms were implemented in order to remove sensitive electronic switches from within the beam tunnel radiation environment. Attention will be paid to the calibration algorithms and switching system interactions, and how well they work in practice

An Automated BPM Characterization System for LEDA*

Abstract. An automated and highly accurate system for “mapping ” 5 cm-diameter beam position monitors (BPMs) used in the Low Energy Demonstrator Accelerator (LEDA) at Los Alamos is described. Two-dimensional data is accumulated from the four micro-stripline electrodes in the probe by sweeping an antenna driven at the LEDA bunching frequency of 350 MHz in discrete steps across the aperture. These data are then used to determine the centroid, Fist- and thud-order sensitivities of the BPM. These probe response coefficients are then embedded in the LEDA control system database to provide normalized beam position information to the operators. A short summary of previous systems we have fielded is given, along with their attributes and deficiencies that had a bearing on this latest design. Lessons learned from this system will, in turn, be used on the next mappers that are currently being designed for 15 cm and 2.5 cm BPMs. BACKGROUND We have implemented several BPM characterization systems for previous projects at Los Alamos. The first system we fielded was a basic “taut-wire ” fixture whereby a wire antenna was stretched through the BPM between two parallel plates mounted on micrometer-driven X-Y linear stages. The antenna was driven at the accelerating cavity frequency while the signals at the output ports were monitored with a power meter and manually recorded as the stages incrementally translated the antenna across the aperture. Some of the drawbacks to this system were: 1) A high chance for error in the manual positioning of the stages and data recording of the outputs of all four ports for each increment. This slow and * Work funded and supported by the U.S. Department of Energy

ANALOG FRONT-END ELECTRONICS FOR BEAM POSITION MEASUREMENT ON THE BEAM HALO MEASUREMENT

Enhancements have been made to the log-ratio analog front-end electronics based on the Analog Devices 8307 logarithmic amplifier as used on the LEDA accelerator. The dynamic range of greater than 85 dB, has been extended to nearly the full capability of the AD8307 from the previous design of approximately 65 dB through the addition of a 350 MHz band-pass filter, careful use of ground and power plane placement, signal routing, and power supply bypassing. Additionally, selection of high-isolation RF switches (55dB) has been an integral part of a new calibration technique, which is fully described in another paper submitted to this conference. Provision has also been made for insertion of a first-stage low-noise amplifier for using the circuit under low-signal conditions