Commissioning of the CMS zero degree calorimeter using LHC beam

TL;DR

This paper details the commissioning process and initial performance assessment of the CMS Zero Degree Calorimeters during LHC beam tests in December 2009, confirming operational readiness and initial calibration insights.

Contribution

It presents the first commissioning results of the CMS ZDCs, including successful channel operation and gain variation estimates from beam splash events.

Findings

All channels operated correctly during testing.

Timing calibration achieved using beam splash events.

Initial gain variation estimates obtained.

Abstract

This paper reports on the commissioning and first running experience of the CMS Zero Degree Calorimeters during December 2009. All channels worked correctly. The ZDCs were timed into the data acquisition system using beam splash events. These data also allowed us to make a first estimate of channel-by-channel variations in gain.