Fermilab Main Injector and Recycler Operations in the Megawatt Era

TL;DR

This paper discusses the upgrades to Fermilab's accelerator complex enabling 1-MW neutrino beam operation, focusing on improvements to Recycler slip-stacking and Main Injector ramp time reductions for enhanced future performance.

Contribution

It introduces new modifications to Recycler slip-stacking and ramp procedures that enable higher power operation and improved efficiency of Fermilab's accelerator complex.

Findings

Achieved 1-MW operation of the NuMI beam for the first time.

Implemented modifications to Recycler slip-stacking procedures.

Reduced Main Injector ramp time for future accelerator efficiency.

Abstract

Significant upgrades to Fermilab's accelerator complex have accompanied the development of LBNF (the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility) and DUNE (Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment). These improvements will facilitate 1-MW operation of the NuMI (Neutrinos at the Main Injector) beam for the first time this year through changes to the Recycler slip-stacking procedure and shortening of the Main Injector ramp time. The modifications to the Recycler slip-stacking and efforts to reduce the duration of the Main Injector ramp will be discussed. Additionally, details regarding further shortening of the ramp time and the subsequent impacts on future accelerator operations are presented.