Radio frequency systems of the CERN synchrotron accelerators

Abstract

CERN - the European Organization for Nuclear Research - is the largest particle physics laboratory and one of the world's most respected scientific institutes. Currently it operates ten particle accelerators, a new linear injector for H- acceleration is under construction and two future machines are in the study and research phase. Radio frequency systems are a vital part of almost all particle accelerators. The RF systems at CERN cover a frequency range from a few kHz up to 30 GHz, and a power range from the noise levels up to hundreds of MW in a single structure. The Low-Level loops of the RF systems accommodate a wide range of electronics from purely analogue circuitry dating back to the 60's up to state of the art remotely operated digital systems based on the most recent FPGA and DSP technology. This paper provides a short overview of the RF systems of the CERN synchrotron particle accelerators with emphasis on the specific problems and issues typical for each accelerating stage in the chain.