Minimizing emittance growth during H- injection in the AGS booster

As part of the efforts to increase polarization and luminosity in RHIC during polarized proton operations we have modified the injection optics and stripping foil geometry in the AGS Booster in order to reduce the emittance growth during H{sup -} injection. In this paper we describe the modifications, the injection process, and present results from beam experiments

The RHIC polarized source upgrade

N/

Beam emittance measurements in RHIC

The RHIC proton polarimeters can operate in scanning mode, giving polarization profiles and transverse beam intensity profile (beam emittance) measurements. The polarimeters function as wire scanners, providing a very good signal/noise ratio and high counting rate. This allows accurate bunch-by-bunch emittance measurements during fast target sweeps (<1 s) through the beam. Very thin carbon strip targets make these measurements practically non-destructive. Bunch by bunch emittance measurements are a powerful tool for machine set-up; in RHIC, individual proton beam transverse emittances can only be measured by CNI polarimeter scans. We discuss the consistency of these measurements with Ionization Profile Monitors (IPMs) and vernier scan luminosity measurements. Absolute accuracy limitations and cross-calibration of different techniques are also discussed

p-Carbon CNI polarimetry in the AGS and RHIC.

Proton polarization measurements in the AGS (Alternate Gradient Synchrotron) and RHIC (Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider) are based on proton-carbon(pC) and proton-proton elastic scattering in the Coulomb Nuclear Interference (CNI) region. The CNI polarimeters are the essential tools for polarized proton acceleration setup and operation. High intensity recoil nuclei from the scattering of the circulating proton beam in the thin carbon target is efficiently utilized in the silicon strip detectors and data acquisition system, which is capable to analyze the event rate up to a few millions/second. This makes it possible for the fast, practically non-destructive polarization measurements. The polarization measurement on the beam energy ramp was implemented in AGS and RHIC, providing locations of polarization losses. Polarimeter operation in the scanning mode also gives polarization profile and beam profile (including bunch by bunch values for the later one). This paper summarizes the recent modifications. Results of polarization measurements are also discussed

RHIC Performance for FY2011 Au+Au Heavy Ion Run

Following the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 (Run-10) Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) Au+Au run, RHIC experiment upgrades sought to improve detector capabilities. In turn, accelerator improvements were made to improve the luminosity available to the experiments for this run (Run-11). These improvements included: a redesign of the stochastic cooling systems for improved reliability; a relocation of 'common' RF cavities to alleviate intensity limits due to beam loading; and an improved usage of feedback systems to control orbit, tune and coupling during energy ramps as well as while colliding at top energy. We present an overview of changes to the Collider and review the performance of the collider with respect to instantaneous and integrated luminosity goals. At the conclusion of the FY 2011 polarized proton run, preparations for heavy ion run proceeded on April 18, with Au+Au collisions continuing through June 28. Our standard operations at 100 GeV/nucleon beam energy was bracketed by two shorter periods of collisions at lower energies (9.8 and 13.5 GeV/nucleon), continuing a previously established program of low and medium energy runs. Table 1 summarizes our history of heavy ion operations at RHIC

Recent developments in the production of carbon micro-ribbons for CNI polarimeters at BNL

N/

Upgrade and Operation of the BNL Tandems for RHIC Injection

One of the tandem Van de Graaffs (MP7) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) has successfully completed its first year as an injector for the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The tandem provided pulsed beam of Au{sup +32} (peak intensity 80 e{mu}A, 500{micro}s) with only 17 hours of downtime during a 5 month run. Improvements are being made to further increase the intensity of the gold beam for the experimental run starting in 2001. A second tandem Van de Graaff (MP6) has been extensively upgraded and can now reach a terminal voltage of over 14MV. A beamline has been constructed to transport the MP6 beam around MP7 and then connect to the existing MP7 beamlines. This has allowed MP6 to deliver beam to local target rooms for an outside user program, while MP7 has simultaneously injected RHIC. MP6 can also be used as an injector for RHIC

Operation of the RHIC AU ION Source

The Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is beginning its second year of operation. A cesium sputter ion source injecting into a tandem Van de Graaff provides the gold ions for RHIC. The ion source is operated in the pulsed beam mode and produces a 500{micro}sec long pulse of Au{sup -} with a peak intensity of 290pA at the entrance of the tandem. After acceleration in the tandem and post stripping, this results in a beam of Au{sup +32} with an intensity of 80e{micro}A and an energy of 182MeV. Over the last several years, a series of improvements have been made to increase the intensity of the pulsed beam from the ion source. Details of the source performance and improvements will be presented. In addition, an effort is under way to provide other beam species for RHIC collisions

The RHIC polarized source upgrade

The RHIC polarized H{sup -} ion source is being upgraded to higher intensity (5-10 mA) and polarization for use in the RHIC polarization physics program at enhanced luminosity RHIC operation. The higher beam peak intensity will allow reduction of the transverse beam emittance at injection to AGS to reduce polarization losses in AGS. There is also a planned RHIC luminosity upgrade by using the electron beam lens to compensate the beam-beam interaction at collision points. This upgrade is also essential for future BNL plans for a high-luminosity electron - proton (ion) Collider eRHIC