Beam loss detection based on generation of Cherenkov light in optical fibers in the CERN Linear Electron Accelerator for Research

Abstract

Cherenkov optical beam loss monitors (oBLMs) based on optical fibers are a revolutionary achievement among the monitoring systems in particle accelerators. Due to the nature of the Cherenkov phenomenon and the intrinsic characteristics of optical fibers, the photon production and fiber light transmission need to be studied to deduce the total amount of Cherenkov photons detected by the photosensors attached at the end of the system. Simulations of the Cherenkov oBLM detector system have been implemented using the fluka software with postprocessing considering the light attenuation and capture factors in the optical fiber. In addition, the study includes the longitudinal beam loss localization of the controlled beam losses produced along the CERN Linear Electron Accelerator for Research (CLEAR) test facility line. In this paper, the Cherenkov photon detection by an oBLM installed in the CLEAR facility is simulated, analyzed, and compared with experimental data.