Critical components of all particle accelerators, beam diagnostics are responsible for quantifying the parameters of particle beams. Beam diagnostics are capable of providing extremely accurate results, and typically operate with very fast response times.
Diagnostics systems often include precise motion control systems complete with feedback, which enable the sensors and measuring devices to be positioned around or within the beam.
What is a Beamline?
In the world of accelerator physics, a ‘beam’ is a stream of accelerated particles. The word ‘beamline’ refers to the trajectory of these accelerated particles. The term encompasses all required components of an accelerator path segment, including the beam pipe, beam focusing systems and diagnostic equipment.
Inside an accelerator facility, a beamline typically includes multiple sections such as an initial linear accelerator, booster synchrotron and/or synchrotron storage ring.
The term ‘beamline’ is often used to refer specifically to the path that leads accelerated particles or radiation (such as X-rays) away from the particle accelerator and toward an experimental endpoint.
Inside particle accelerators, beamlines are usually contained inside a tunnel or below ground, and encased in concrete in order to attenuate dangerous radiation which is produced during the process of accelerating charged particles.
The beampipe, which contains the beam itself, is typically a cylindrical metal tube which is evacuated to ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions to minimize unwanted collisions with gas particles.
Why are Beam Diagnostics Important?
All beams need beam diagnostics in order to keep track of critical beam parameters. Beam diagnostics enable beam properties to be modified and corrected for, so that optimal performance can be achieved for specific applications.
Beam diagnostics are crucial to particle accelerator performance, and typically account for around 3-10% of the overall cost of a particle accelerator facility.
Beam diagnostic hardware plays an essential role in keeping the beam path and profile controlled and is an especially important consideration during the set-up and commissioning of new facilities.
Beam Diagnostics at UHV
UHV Design has established as a world-leading supplier of motion control systems for particle accelerators; working closely with customers to design and develop reliable high-performance systems for beam diagnostics.
For example, UHV Design recently worked with CERN to develop a bellows-free motion control system and develop new systems to significantly lower the risk of vacuum leaks.
Products from UHV Design offer exceptionally long unattended lifetimes, which is critical in accelerator environments where components are subjected to high levels of radiation and downtime is extremely costly.
UHV Design offers a large range of highly customizable products, and is able to design products in compliance with local standards to offer versatile and reliable beam diagnostics solutions.
To find out more about beam diagnostics from UHV Design, get in touch with a member of their team today.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by UHV DESIGN LTD.
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