CERN’s Super Proton Synchrotron 200 MHz cavity regulation upgrade: Modeling, design optimization, and performance estimation

Abstract

CERN’s Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) accelerates protons to 450 GeV/c and transfers them into the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). It is currently one of the limiting factors in increasing the beam intensity and thus the luminosity of the LHC. As part of the LHC injectors upgrade project, the SPS 200 MHz rf system has been modified during the CERN long shutdown 2 (January 2019–April 2021), resulting in a new layout containing two additional cavities. The goal is to improve longitudinal stability required for the planned doubling of the beam intensity for the high luminosity LHC. In parallel with the upgrade of the high-power rf, a new low-level rf (LLRF) system has been designed, including a new cavity field regulation system. This work presents a model of the beam-rf interaction which includes a detailed representation of the LLRF controlling the cavity. This model is used to determine the optimal LLRF design for maximum loop stability and beam loading compensation. Finally, the performance of the upgraded LLRF is estimated.