• M. Putignano, K.-U. Kühnel
  MPI-K, Heidelberg
• M. Putignano, C.P. Welsch
  The University of Liverpool, Liverpool

Growing interest in the development of low energy projectile beams, in particular heavy ions and antiprotons, calls for new beam instrumentation to be developed to match the strict requirements on ultra-high vacuum and low beam perturbation. When it comes to transverse profile monitoring, a convenient solution for simultaneous determination of both transverse profiles is found in a neutral supersonic gas-jet target shaped into a thin curtain and the two-dimensional imaging of the gas ions created by impacting projectiles. The resolution and vacuum efficiency of this monitor is directly linked to the characteristics of the gas-jet curtain. In this contribution we describe the design of a nozzle-skimmer system to be used for the creation of the jet curtain in the first prototype of such a monitor. Using numerical fluid dynamics simulations, we present the effects resulting directly from changes in the geometry of the nozzle-skimmer system on the characteristics of the jet curtain.

• A. Intermite, M. Putignano
  MPI-K, Heidelberg
• C.P. Welsch
  The University of Liverpool, Liverpool

This contribution describes an optical fibre sensor based on the use of a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) composed of an array of Single Photon Avalanche Detectors (SPADs). This sensor will be used for the detection and localization of particle losses in accelerators by exploiting the Cerenkov Effect in optical fibres. As compared to conventional vacuum photomultipliers, the SPAD array allows for maximizing the geometrical efficiency of Cerenkov photon detection. The array can be directly integrated into the fibre end while retaining the same quantum efficiency (20%) in the wavelength range of interest. The SiPM is intrinsically very fast due to its small depletion region and extremely short Geiger-type discharge, which is in the order of a few hundreds of picoseconds. Therefore, the combined use of optical fibres and SiPMs seems a promising option for a modern Cherenkov detector featuring subnanosecond timing, insensitive to magnetic fields, capable of single photon detection and allowing for the possibility of realization in the form of a smart structure. We present the layout and operating principle of the detector, its characteristics, and outline possible fields of application.

• J. Egberts, S.T. Artikova
  MPI-K, Heidelberg
• C.P. Welsch
  The University of Liverpool, Liverpool

The majority of particles in a beam are located close to the beam axis, called the beam core. However, particles in the tail distribution of the transverse beam profile can never be completely avoided and are commonly referred to as beam halo. The light originating from or generated by the particle beam is often used for non- or least destructive beam profile measurements. Synchrotron radiation, optical transition, or diffraction radiation are examples of such measurements. The huge difference in particle density between the beam core and its halo, and therefore the huge intensity ratio of the emitted light is a major challenge in beam halo monitoring. In this contribution, results from test measurements using a flexible core masking technique are presented indicating way to overcome present limitations. This technique is well-known in e.g. astronomy, but since particle beams are not of constant shape in contrast to astronomical objects, a quickly adjustable mask generation process is required. The flexible core masking technique presented in this paper uses aμmirror array to generate a mask based on an automated algorithm.

• J. Harasimowicz
  Cockcroft Institute, Warrington, Cheshire
• J. Harasimowicz, C.P. Welsch
  The University of Liverpool, Liverpool

The Ultra-low energy Storage Ring (USR) at the future Facility for Low-energy Antiproton and Ion Research (FLAIR) at GSI, Germany will decelerate antiproton beams of very low intensities from 300 keV down to 20 keV. Such beams can be easily disturbed by standard monitoring devices and the development of new sensitive diagnostic techniques is required. To overcome the limitations related to a very low number of particles, a low signal-to-noise ratio and ultra-low kinetic energies, a resonant capacitive pick-up has been proposed as a beam position monitor. In the planned solution, the signal gain will be realised by the use of a specially designed resonant circuit optimized to meet the requirements of the USR. The current overall design studies of the resonant capacitive pick-up, including simulations of the beam displacement sensitivity and linearity for different pick-up geometries and the equivalent resonant circuit optimisation, will be discussed.