Modernizing CERN's North Area beam instrumentation: consolidation and novel straw-based profile monitors

by Inaki Ortega Ruiz (CERN), Robert Garbrecht Larsen (CERN)

Friday 27 Nov 2026, 11:00 → 12:00 Europe/Zurich

40/S2-D01 - Salle Dirac (CERN)

The North Area, CERN's largest fixed-target experimental facility, hosts a diverse programme of physics experiments and beam tests. As the facility approaches its 50th anniversary, it is undergoing a major consolidation programme to ensure its long-term reliability and continued operation. Beam instrumentation is one of the key work packages within the North Area Consolidation project (NA-CONS). In this presentation, we will provide an overview of the North Area beam diagnostic systems and outline the planned consolidation strategy.

Particular attention will be given to the replacement of the multi-wire proportional chambers currently used for transverse beam profile measurements. We will present the development of a new transverse beam profile monitor based on thin-walled straws with a diameter of 5 mm, designed to replace these chambers in high-radiation areas. The new monitor offers additional advantages, including vacuum compatibility and an in/out motorisation system. Results from beam tests conducted in T10, IRRAD, HiRadMat, H6, and H4 will be presented, demonstrating that the straw-based monitor meets the required performance specifications.

 

Coffee will be served at 10:30