An experimentally robust technique for halo measurement using the IPM at the Fermilab Booster

We propose a model-independent quantity, $L/G$, to characterize non-Gaussian tails in beam profiles observed with the Fermilab Booster Ion Profile Monitor. This quantity can be considered a measure of beam halo in the Booster. We use beam dynamics and detector simulations to demonstrate that $L/G$ is superior to kurtosis as an experimental measurement of beam halo when realistic beam shapes, detector effects and uncertainties are taken into account. We include the rationale and method of calculation for $L/G$ in addition to results of the experimental studies in the Booster where we show that $L/G$ is a useful halo discriminator

Fully 3D Multiple Beam Dynamics Processes Simulation for the Tevatron

We present validation and results from a simulation of the Fermilab Tevatron including multiple beam dynamics effects. The essential features of the simulation include a fully 3D strong-strong beam-beam particle-in-cell Poisson solver, interactions among multiple bunches and both head-on and long-range beam-beam collisions, coupled linear optics and helical trajectory consistent with beam orbit measurements, chromaticity and resistive wall impedance. We validate individual physical processes against measured data where possible, and analytic calculations elsewhere. Finally, we present simulations of the effects of increasing beam intensity with single and multiple bunches, and study the combined effect of long-range beam-beam interactions and transverse impedance. The results of the simulations were successfully used in Tevatron operations to support a change of chromaticity during the transition to collider mode optics, leading to a factor of two decrease in proton losses, and thus improved reliability of collider operations.Comment: 29 pages, 19 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev. ST Accel. Beam

A Parallel General Purpose Multi-Objective Optimization Framework, with Application to Beam Dynamics

Particle accelerators are invaluable tools for research in the basic and applied sciences, in fields such as materials science, chemistry, the biosciences, particle physics, nuclear physics and medicine. The design, commissioning, and operation of accelerator facilities is a non-trivial task, due to the large number of control parameters and the complex interplay of several conflicting design goals. We propose to tackle this problem by means of multi-objective optimization algorithms which also facilitate a parallel deployment. In order to compute solutions in a meaningful time frame a fast and scalable software framework is required. In this paper, we present the implementation of such a general-purpose framework for simulation-based multi-objective optimization methods that allows the automatic investigation of optimal sets of machine parameters. The implementation is based on a master/slave paradigm, employing several masters that govern a set of slaves executing simulations and performing optimization tasks. Using evolutionary algorithms as the optimizer and OPAL as the forward solver, validation experiments and results of multi-objective optimization problems in the domain of beam dynamics are presented. The high charge beam line at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator Facility was used as the beam dynamics model. The 3D beam size, transverse momentum, and energy spread were optimized

SYNERGIA: A MODERN TOOL FOR ACCELERATOR PHYSICS SIMULATION

Abstract High precision modeling of space-charge effects, together with accurate treatment of single-particle dynamics, is essential for designing future accelerators as well as optimizing the performance of existing machines. Synergia is a high-fidelity parallel beam dynamics simulation package with fully three dimensional space-charge capabilities and a higher order optics implementation. We describe the computational techniques, the advanced human interface, and the parallel performance obtained using large numbers of macroparticles

Strange Quark PDFs and Implications for Drell-Yan Boson Production at the LHC

Global analyses of Parton Distribution Functions (PDFs) have provided incisive constraints on the up and down quark components of the proton, but constraining the other flavor degrees of freedom is more challenging. Higher-order theory predictions and new data sets have contributed to recent improvements. Despite these efforts, the strange quark PDF has a sizable uncertainty, particularly in the small x region. We examine the constraints from experiment and theory, and investigate the impact of this uncertainty on LHC observables. In particular, we study W/Z production to see how the s-quark uncertainty propagates to these observables, and examine the extent to which precise measurements at the LHC can provide additional information on the proton flavor structure.Comment: 14 pages, 11 figures, added reference

The design of a liquid lithium lens for a muon collider

The last stage of ionization cooling for the muon collider requires a multistage liquid lithium lens. This system uses a large ({approximately}0.5 MA) pulsed current through liquid lithium to focus the beam while energy loss in the lithium removes momentum which is replaced by linacs. The beam optics are designed to maximize the 6 dimensional transmission from one lens to the next while minimizing emittance growth. The mechanical design of the lithium vessel is constrained by a pressure pulse due to the sudden ohmic heating, and the stress on the Be window. The authors describe beam optics, the liquid lithium pressure vessel, pumping, power supplies, as well as the overall optimization of the system