Transverse beam shape measurements of intense proton beams using optical transition radiation

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of optical transition radiation (OTR) for measuring the transverse shape of high-intensity proton beams, which is crucial for upcoming particle physics experiments at the DOE's HEP Intensity Frontier.

Contribution

It demonstrates the feasibility of using OTR for beam profiling at megawatt proton beam intensities, addressing limitations of traditional methods.

Findings

OTR can be effectively used for high-intensity proton beam profiling

Previous measurements from the NuMI beamline validate the approach

OTR provides a non-invasive method suitable for high-power beams

Abstract

A number of particle physics experiments are being proposed as part of the Department of Energy HEP Intensity Frontier. Many of these experiments will utilize megawatt level proton beams onto targets to form secondary beams of muons, kaons and neutrinos. These experiments require transverse size measurements of the incident proton beam onto target for each beam spill. Because of the high power levels, most beam intercepting profiling techniques will not work at full beam intensity. The possibility of utilizing optical transition radiation (OTR) for high intensity proton beam profiling is discussed. In addition, previous measurements of OTR beam profiles from the NuMI beamline are presented.