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93/R-031 (CERN)
ADTC meeting
Zoom Meeting ID
61318392722
Host
Francois Butin
Passcode
34763729
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Laurette presented the AD/ELENA machines operation report.
After an exceptionally smooth restart, the machines are working with great stability at record intensities. The quick recovery of last year performances allowed advanced studies before the start of physics on 5th of May. In parallel, the Multi Mini Bunch extraction mode (MMB) was successfully used for TELMAX in the first 2 weeks of operation (see dedicated talk below). Record intensities also mean larger emittances, due to bigger population of bunches, slightly higher than nominal (but twice as much pbars as nominal !)…
Operation with Hminus is squeezed in ELENA in between pbars cycles, for the benefit of GBAR but also EUROLAB beam school !
A few minor issues are nevertheless being encountered, in articular a small vacuum leak developing in sector 2B. Leak detection/repair attempt will be scheduled during next TS on 24th June.
Happy users, thanks to all dedicated teams !
Michael showed the results of the PAX@TELMAX test campaign.
He reminded the objective of the PAX (Antiprotonic Atom X-Ray Spectroscopy) experiment, and of this particular test campaign, aiming at validating the usage of the innovative Transition Edge Sensing (TES) micro calorimeter quantum sensor. In order not to saturate this ultra-sensitive detector, PAX is aiming at the smallest number of pbars delivered by ELENA, hence the large interest for the MMB extraction mode.
In this configuration, PAX was able to resolve the full X-ray spectrum of antiprotonic Zirconium (an electron is replaced by a pbar in the Zr atom), which is a very good sign for the future of the planned measurements.
Measurement showed that about 10^4 pbars bunches are achieved in MMB mode. Smaller bunches would be very welcome and are probably possible, although we are missing detection systems sensitive enough at this stage to assert this.
PAX will request more test beam time at TELMAX later this year to improve the setup and analysis methods.
Francois introduced the planned activities for next YETS and LS3 at AD/ELENA facility
This year YETS will start on 8th December and be kept as short as possible, the main constraints being the first availability of protons on target (2nd of March). No magnet will be repaired this year. Return of physics is tentatively expected for the 13th of March 2026. The detailed planning will be available within 1 month for discussion.
Only minimal maintenance will be performed, in particular, the access safety system may only be tested (TBC).
LS3 activities list and planning were showed (start 1st September 2026, physics beam expected back mid June 2028). 18 magnets will have to be extracted for refurbishment. Together with the e-cooler replacement (DC cables to be replaced, HV cables rerouted), these will be the main driver and critical path. A large number of vacuum repair/maintenance operations are planned, causing all sectors of the machine to be vented. On infrastructure side, a major consolidation of the cooling and HVAC systems will cause unavailability of demineralized water for 52 weeks and of heating /cooling of the hall air for 12 weeks. Tap water(limited) cooling possibly to be arranged with CV.
The AD kickers feedthrough will also be consolidated (have caused issues in the past). The C10 cavity power converters will probably only be replaced after LS3. On the target side, the horn as well as the target will be replaced.
On ELENA side, the main activity will concern the consolidation of the ZQNAs, to correct an issue preventing nominal voltage operation. This will impose venting 8 vacuum sectors. The repair of the scraper MCP’s was discussed. This point is unclear yet, and needs further assessment to justify opening ELENA ring LNR05 sector, notably the real usefulness of the scraper with Hminus beam, in comparison to the possibility to use the “recombination” monitor.
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