Joint Accelerator Performance Workshop 2024
Royal Plaza Montreux & Spa
The Joint Accelerator Performance 2024 Workshop (JAP24) will take place from 10 to 12 December 2024 at the Royal Plaza Montreux.
The JAP24 Workshop is meant to bring together accelerator and operation teams across the accelerator complex, with the input from the experiments. Its focus will be performance achievements, limitations and lessons from 2024 as a key to define configuration and performance goals for 2025. It is intended to be a forum for open technical discussion with a strong emphasis on new topics and results.
The bilateral sessions are built around the main pillars of accelerator performance: operation, equipment, modelling and automation.
The JAP24 Workshop will address:
- Progress with issues raised in 2023, new observations in 2024;
- Beam intensity limitations in injectors and in LHC;
- Beam quality along the accelerator chain and quality preservation/monitoring/control in daily operation (LHC and fixed target beams);
- Accelerator and equipment performance/operational efficiency analysis;
- Experimental requirements (2025, 2026 and longer term).
The main outcomes of the workshop are expected to be:
- Update performance limitations;
- Collect input towards the definition of 2025 operational configuration and performance;
- Set priorities for studies and operational improvements, including HL-LHC operational tests in 2025 and 2026;
- Define remaining (beam) tests as input for the recommissioning after LS3;
- Provide input to projects (CONS, HL) and committees (IEFC, LMC, IPP, LBOC, etc.);
- Provide input to Chamonix 2025 Workshop.
Please note that attendance is by invitation only, while a Zoom link will be made available throughout the workshop as webcast.
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10:00
Coffee Break
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1
IntroductionSpeakers: Heiko Damerau (CERN), Matteo Solfaroli Camillocci (CERN)
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Setting the SceneConveners: Giovanni Rumolo (CERN), Jorg Wenninger (CERN)
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2
Injectors performance overview and highlights in 2024 (20'+10')
Keywords: Achievements (FT, LIU), Stand vs. BCMS, protons & ions, equipment needing attention and progress in monitoring, limitations emerged and perspectives, impact on operational efficiency of filling scheme (3x 36b vs hybrid)
Speaker: Kevin Shing Bruce Li (CERN) -
3
Beam lines, feedback from operations (20'+10')
Keywords: BSI calibration results, ASM planning proton sharing, electron beam quality in H6/H8 electron users, High intensity muon beam test in M2 (road to have higher intensity post-LS3), record high intensity electrons in H4, operation of H4-VLE (Neutrino Platform), CEDARs operation, user changeovers/preparations/planning, low momentum in East Area, East Area variable spill lengths. Major faults from AFT, feedback on expert availabilities feedback from HiRadMat
Speaker: Dipanwita Banerjee (CERN) -
4
AD/ELENA - ISOLDE - AWAKE - CLEAR, feedback from operations (20'+10')
Keywords: Operation of facilities, is modeling adequate, e.g., optics, impedance, aperture?, opportunities for automation and test bench new algorithms, critical equipment, integration of operation, need for instrumentation? feedback from experiments (AD/ELENA, AWAKE)
Speaker: Davide Gamba (CERN) -
5
Feedback from FT experiments (10'+10')
Keywords: 2024 highlights of EA, NA, nTOF, ISOLDE physics results (‘where protons are going’), beam quality (client view), upcoming expectations for 2025-6 (physics/infrastructure requirements & beam characteristics)
Speaker: Dragoslav Lazic (Boston University (US)) -
6
LHC performance overview and highlights in 2024 (15'+10')
Keywords: Achievements and limitations, Standard vs. BCMS (brightness, tails), beam quality from injectors and preservation, high intensity, protons & ions, equipment fault analysis (why was summer such a good production period), operational efficiency, super-smooth injection and filling. Summary of ion operation.
Speaker: Delphine Jacquet (CERN) -
12:50
Lunch
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7
Feedback from LHC physics (15'+10')
Keywords: 2024 highlights of physics results (‘where protons are going’), beam quality (client view), upcoming expectations for 2025-6 (physics/infrastructure requirements & beam characteristics)
Speaker: Federico Alessio (CERN) -
8
MDs in the CERN accelerator complex (15'+10')
Keywords: MD threads & requests, MD time allocation & adequacy including preparation (e.g., prep for LHC MDs in injectors), impact of intensity limitations on MD program (injectors, LHC), organisation and execution, relevance to operation
Speaker: Benoit Salvant (CERN)
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2
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Operation <-> EquipmentConveners: Giulia Papotti (CERN), Nikolaos Charitonidis (CERN)
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9
Consequences and opportunities of Run 3 extension (15'+10')
- focus on injectors only
- risks to be taken, and difficulties to be encountered
- what could be anticipated in 2025/26 to optimise the post LS3 restart? e.g. needed studies
- proposal for a LIU Reliability Run; additional MDs to explore limits?
Speaker: Panos Zisopoulos (CERN) -
10
Fault tracking in 2024 (20'+10')
- results of fault analysis per machine (including Exp. Areas)
- how are the results used? what is AFT ‘actually’ offering? e.g. proactive maintenance
- follow-up structure and reporting?
- features to be added, feedback from users (tools and automation covered in Session 6)
Speaker: Jack Heron (CERN) -
11
Cryogenics in LHC (10'+10')
- IR8 cooling capacity and known limitations, available margins
- follow up on delaying of cryo valve opening (resulting in losses and dumps due to fast growing orbit oscillations, in 2023)
Speaker: Boyan-Kaloyanov Naydenov Popov (CERN) -
12
Noise and regulation in SPS power converters (10'+10')
- mains regulationa and overshoot follow-up
- 50 Hz noise effects on SFTPRO spill, and on protons and ion LHC flat bottom losses;
- prospects for corrections on the hardware side
Speaker: Charles-Mathieu Genton (CERN) -
16:40
Coffee Break
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13
Beam instrumentation (focus up to 2026) (10'+10')
- equipment from commissioning to operation, exploitation and maintenance of existing instrumentation (focus up to 2026)
- HL preparation, NA-CONS and ECN3, ACC-Cons, feedback from BIFT on upcoming
consolidation efforts and items not covered - BSI, BGC, BGI, wire scanners, …
- ion beams
Speaker: Inaki Ortega Ruiz (CERN) -
14
Experience with SPS RF and outlook (10'+10')
- Thales plants: high failure rates, limited RF power
- status of understanding, solved and open issues, solutions and prospects
Speaker: Dr Sam Pitman (CERN) -
15
ABT Equipment: Operational Insights and Future Perspective (10'+10')
- KFA71: missing pulses and availability; status, ongoing analysis (including EPA WP8), monitoring and future plans
- MKP: new voltage settings on MKP-L (are losses at flat bottom measurably better; plan towards nominal settings); plans to offset MKP to reduce beam induced heating on MKP-S (margins?)
- MKDH: strategy in case of replacement, options and implications on restart after exchange
- how did 2024 go in terms of high intensity? e.g. possibly new SMH16, LHC AC-dipole…
Speaker: Giorgia Favia (CERN) -
16
Lessons learnt, ideas and best practises for new equipment design (15'+10')
- highlights of recent equipment designs, bright ideas, i.e. the bright side of the session, what was done right
Speaker: Rui Franqueira Ximenes (CERN)
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9
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20:00
Dinner
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10:00
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Beam dynamics modelling <-> EquipmentConveners: Cedric Hernalsteens (CERN), Helga Timko (CERN)
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17
Longitudinal modelling and operational optimisation across the complex (20'+10')
- Control loops modelling and applications across the chain
- LHC power limitation at injection
- BCMS v. std longitudinal evaluation
- Modelling aspects of bunch length control in the ramp and flattop
Speaker: Birk Emil Karlsen-Baeck (Sapienza Universita e INFN, Roma I (IT)) -
18
Electron cloud (20'+10')
- Where do we stand in the SPS and LHC?
- Update on e-cloud modelling, comparison with measurements and projections
- Optimum filling scheme options for 2025-2026 from e-cloud perspective (to be completed in the session 3 talk “LHC: issues, mitigations and plans”)
Speaker: Lotta Mether (CERN) -
19
Impedance modelling and equipment design (20'+10')
- Impedance modelling implications on equipment design (WS, BGI, TDIS, kickers, etc.)
- Intensity limitation update for the vacuum modules, any showstopper to start 2025 with 1.8e11 ppb?
- Update on impedance budget for LHC – which affect also HL-LHC?
Speakers: Chiara Antuono (Sapienza Universita e INFN, Roma I (IT)), Michela Neroni (Sapienza Universita e INFN, Roma I (IT)) -
10:00
Coffee Break
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20
Benchmarking of optics and magnetic models (15'+10')
- Magnetic model of the PS main magnets, improvement optics and application to other machines
- Control of Q and Q’
- Zero dispersion optics
Speaker: Ewen Hamish Maclean (CERN) -
21
Beam loss monitor thresholds (15'+10')
- Changes in 2024 in thresholds (ions, TCPs, IR3 etc.)
- Do we need blindable injection BLMs?
Speaker: Sara Morales Vigo
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17
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Beam dynamics modelling <-> OperationConveners: Daniele Mirarchi (CERN), Foteini Asvesta (CERN)
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22
Fixed target beams and challenges for the future (15'+10')
Prospect of running ISOLDE with higher intensity per shot in 2025 in view of future proton sharing, and status of upgrade project
Higher intensity for TOF
Fixed-target beams: bunch length/momentum spread/beam size (PSB, PS), spill quality (PS/SPS), losses
Higher intensity requests for North-Area post-LS3 + Beamline acceptance.
Beam for BDF/SHiP and intensity increase to 7e13, future beam sharing (different scenarios for proton sharing in the SHiP-BDF time) MDs related and proposed tests before LS3.
Where do we stand concerning losses and activation for high intensity beams?Speaker: Pablo Arrutia (CERN) -
23
Ions: overview and outlook accross the complex (20'+10')
Overview 2024
LHC oxygen run in 2025
Development for future ions after LS3
Status of the source and LINAC3 accelerator model
ALICE background and crystals stability
Beam quality in the injectors, in particular LEIR and SPS (issue in 2023). What should be improved or done differently?Speaker: Maciej Slupecki (CERN) -
24
Beam quality preservation for LHC beams (20'+10')
Emittance growth and tail generation along the chain: mechanism, mitigation, and impact in LHC itself; influence of PS transition, transfer lines matching, degradation beyond burn-off.
Losses in PS-to-SPS, SPS, and at LHC injection: why is the situation improved in 2024? (blindable BLMs to be commissioned if long trains?)
Optimization of LHC2025 filling scheme in terms of filling time / beam degradation in SPS vs LHC (could be moved to the last talk)
Special beams: MDs, vdM, Impact of LINAC4 Automatic Feed Forward on reproducibility during beam adjustment
LHC beams: longitudinal beam quality across the injectors (splitting reproducibility), have we gained any operational margin with LIU beams during 2024? (injectors topics and on the LHC impact on quality only)Speaker: Sofia Kostoglou (CERN) -
12:50
Lunch Break
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25
Collimation aspects in the LHC and SPS (15'+10)
Phase knob, collimator hierarchy breakage, DA simulations: how models feed into operation settings (theoretical modelling, simulations and understanding)
Tail population from scraping (EoF + MD), LRBB wire compensator effect on tail population, …
Beam studies towards a dedicated SPS collimation systemSpeaker: Frederik Van Der Veken (CERN) -
26
Optics aspects in the accelerator complex (20'+10')
LEIR - progress / challenges to optics measurement (tools, BPMs, lack of good models)
PS - zero dispersion optics to improve emittance measurement, deconvolution tests, comment on viability to other machines if progress made
LHC - general status of optics studies - what is standard vs expert. What developments of tools are needed.
LHC - AC-dipole status - critical spares.
LHC commissioning with high ATS factors - experience and challenges
LHC vertical dispersion (single pass for alice background, general Dy control becoming relevant e.g. hierarchy
LHC NL corrections and operation (a3 for hierarchy, b4 for kmod, challenges for high-order and a4, new a4 strategy for next year, 3Qy at injection + ecloud losses)
LHC calibration optics (ballistic + 60deg) use and lessons learnedSpeaker: Felix Simon Carlier (CERN) -
27
LHC: issues, mitigations (15'+10')
LHC collimator hierarchy breakage operational response, mitigations
FASER/SND background, cures, compatibility with RP optics
LHC aperture: measurements and performance (beta*/xing angle) reach
Intensity limits at LHC from RF vacuum modules - can we unlock for 2025? RF fingers and bunch intensity limitation? (just a slide on long. Bunch. Control over ramp)Speaker: Andrea Calia (CERN) -
28
LHC: configuration 2025/26, intensity ramp-up, polarity reversal, optics (20'+10')
RP optics, crossing planes, flat optics, consider the use of flat optics either for necessity in the HV crossing configuration or for performance in the current VH configuration (e.g. 30/20cm). Further improvements: reducing the xing angle at the end of leveling? + wire …?
E-cloud modelling and heat-load in cold magnets (only impact on performance 2025-HL, confirmed trend from previous years?)
Optimal filling scheme
BCMS vs STD (only impact on: which one give us longer levelling?)
usage of the BBLR wires
optimal filling time and lumi predictions
What can / should be tested ‘transparently’ before LS3 to prepare HL-LHC era (incl. intensity limits)?Speaker: Xavier Buffat (CERN) -
29
Session 2/3 discussion sessionSpeakers: Cedric Hernalsteens (CERN), Daniele Mirarchi (CERN), Foteini Asvesta (CERN), Helga Timko (CERN)
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16:15
Coffee Break
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22
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Controls, data and automation <-> OperationConveners: Andrea Calia (CERN), Michael Schenk (CERN)
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30
Settings management – status and plans (15'+10')
2024 report: settings-related issues and improvements
Future plans: what will be done in 2025 and beyond, with resource requests
Settings management in the automation context: online checks for all machines, avoiding trim conflicts (human <-> controller, controller <-> controller)
(Replacement of CESAR)Speaker: Michi Hostettler (CERN) -
31
Dynamic beam scheduling and automated LHC filling (20'+10')
Beam scheduling: progress in 2024 and future plans
Automatic LHC beam preparation
Progress in 2024 across complex (online beam quality monitoring, optimizers, sequences / orchestration)
Future plans and missing pieces across complex (PSB, PS, SPS)Speaker: Amaury Beeckman -
32
Results and plans for integration of automation and optimization in operation (20'+10')
Frameworks: mostly generic steering (experience in 2024, limitations, plans)
Status & plans for automatic controllers:
What is used operationally, under development? E.g. PS MTE efficiency, SPS spill noise, LEIR progress, automation tests at CLEAR, LHC collimators & procedures for alignment
Where do we want to be by LS3?
Other: continuous optimization vs on-demand, interaction between controllersSpeaker: Georges Trad (CERN) -
33
OP feedback and recommendations as we move towards automation (15'+10')
Feedback from operation team on usability and integration of automation tools
How to improve interaction with controllers (e.g. manual intervention)
Limitations: diagnostics / monitoring, performance of autopilots
Automatic fault tracking and analysisSpeaker: Denis Gerard Cotte (CERN)
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30
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20:00
Dinner
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Beam dynamics modelling <-> Controls, data and automationConveners: Giovanni Iadarola (CERN), Verena Kain (CERN)
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34
Beam physics/simulation software evolution: challenges, opportunities (20'+10')
Xsuite: overview on status and long term plans.
Opportunities from transitioning to modern technologies(e.g. python integration, live simulations in operation and MD, integration of AI)
Integration of (full) simulators in control system - status, challenges, required collaborations
Synergies in modelling and design choices between next generation of accelerators and present ones.Speaker: Szymon Lopaciuk (CERN) -
35
Integrated management of accelerator models: digital thread (15'+10')
Current status of equipment integration description and configuration across sector and ongoing efforts (E2A)
Where do we want to go?
Are current efforts for cleaning up “digital thread” sufficient?Speaker: Riccardo De Maria (CERN) -
36
Data and computing resources for analysis (15'+10')
NXCALS, JAPC, LSA: overview of users needs and experience
Introduce “Smart and agile equipment paradigm” from EPA WP8: online and offline analysis requirements
Introduce the developments of DPP and timelines
What about GPUs for advanced analysis and integration of active and continual learning schemes?Speaker: Marcin Sobieszek (CERN) -
37
Surrogate models (15'+10')
Why surrogate models and why surrogates with ML?
How to incorporate inductive bias? PINNs, symmetries,…
Examples and prospects
Infrastructure requirements for full integration in control room (storage, refer back to previous talk,…)Speaker: Francesco Maria Velotti (CERN) -
10:30
Coffee Break
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38
Hysteresis modeling: experience from SPS and prospects for other machines (15'+10')
Status and prospects for required magnetic measurements
Modeling techniques
Timeline and prospectsSpeaker: Anton Lu (Technische Universität Wien (AT))
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34
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Equipment <-> Controls, data and automationConveners: Alexander Huschauer (CERN), Francesco Maria Velotti (CERN)
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39
Time spent on interventions by equipment experts/piquets (15'+10')
How much time do equipment experts and piquets spend on remote and local interventions?
Is there sufficient data available across the groups to do this analysis?
What kind of data exists across the groups (what is logged?) and what would be needed in addition to extend the analysis?
Can we quantify the potential gain from automating remote interventions?
Can we differentiate between simple local interventions and more complex ones? Can this information be included in AFT or any other centralised tracking tool?
What standards are in place to detail and document interventions in the different groups? What are the similarities and differences?Speaker: Kostas Papastergiou (CERN) -
40
Automatic fault analysis and prognostics (20'+10')
How can we avoid that equipment experts spend so much time supporting operations?
How are we using fault data today and what is the vision for the future?
Do we have a full overview of all systems now?
Does the available data allow us to do global prognostics?
What operational solutions exist today for anomaly detection for prognostics (include examples from the different groups, e.g. MKP in SPS, KFA71 in PS, …)
What are the different prospects and ideas to fault recording across the accelerators and groups in the future?
Is there any MD time requested before LS3 related to the points addressed in the talk?Speaker: Anti Asko (CERN) -
12:25
Lunch Break
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41
Automation of equipment commissioning, setting up and recovery (20'+10')
How can we avoid that equipment experts spend so much time supporting operations?
Include an overview of which and how interventions are done remotely across groups.
Which interventions can be automated and what has to be considered (robustness of the solutions, extensive pre-studies and risk analysis of possible failure modes, redundancy designed into the system, remote diagnostics and resets, additional hardware requirements, …)
What is the status of automated equipment testing (AccTesting) across the complex?
What is the status of post-mortem and maintenance prediction?
Examples of application: drift correction of crystal channeling orientation in SPS and LHC
EPA WP8 status
MKP/MKDH automatic vacuum analysis
RF automation (automatic gain switching in the SPS LLRF)
…
Is there any MD time requested before LS3 related to the points addressed in the talk?Speaker: Raul Murillo Garcia (CERN) -
42
Automation during the equipment design process
Development philosophy of accelerator modelling tools
What tools are available outside of CERN? What do companies do today?
include a good example of the classic approach to hardware design simulations compared to a modern approach using faster and potentially even more precise tools
What needs to and can be done to replace parameter scans with optimisation algorithms? What’s the potential benefit to the desing process?
How can surrogate models be used to replace heavy simulations (ANSYS, OPERA, particle tracking, …)
Show examples of design processes across different groups (first automated studies in STI, ABT, what about other groups such as MSC, RF, BI?)
Address the topic of virtual diagnostics
ABT MKP ferrite temperature, STI target temperature
Digital twins - what’s the status across groups?
Is there any MD time requested before LS3 related to the points addressed in the talk?Speaker: Francisco Huhn (CERN) -
43
Session 5/6 discussion sessionSpeakers: Alexander Huschauer (CERN), Francesco Maria Velotti (CERN)
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39
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44
Close-outSpeakers: Heiko Damerau (CERN), Matteo Solfaroli Camillocci (CERN)
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15:30
Coffee Break
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