Absolute measurement of electron-cloud density in a positively charged particle beam

Phys Rev Lett. 2006 Aug 4;97(5):054801. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.97.054801. Epub 2006 Jul 31.

Abstract

Clouds of stray electrons are ubiquitous in particle accelerators and frequently limit the performance of storage rings. Earlier measurements of electron energy distribution and flux to the walls provided only a relative electron-cloud density. We have measured electron accumulation using ions expelled by the beam. The ion energy distribution maps the depressed beam potential and gives the dynamic cloud density. Clearing electrode current reveals the static background cloud density, allowing the first absolute measurement of the time-dependent electron-cloud density during the beam pulse.