Fermilab Models the Booster Synchrotron, a Particle Accelerator

M. A. Hassan, T. Khabiboulline, J. Reid
Fermilab, IL, USA

Behind the discovery of the most fundamental and rare physical processes within our universe is powerful technology, such as the particle accelerators in use today at Fermilab. For over 40 years, one particle accelerator in particular, the Booster synchrotron, has been instrumental in providing high-intensity proton beams for particle physics experiments at the lab.

A highly coordinated effort is currently underway to refurbish, test, and qualify the 19 ferrite-tuned RF cavities of the Booster synchrotron. Upon completion, the RF cavities will be able to produce and sustain particle beams at double the current intensity.

This user story explains how the engineers at Fermilab are using a combination of experiment and multiphysics simulation to evaluate RF heating and the mechanical properties of the Booster RF cavities. The results from their investigation aid in estimating the cooling requirements of the upgraded cavities to ensure they can reliably produce high throughput particle beams through 2025.