Electron Beam Diagnostics Using Digital Imaging at Fermilab's Advanced Superconducting Test Accelerator

Abstract

The Advanced Superconducting Test Accelerator (ASTA) was constructed to study superconductive radiofrequency (SRF) accelerating cavities and their support systems. SRF cavitites allow for higher acceleration gradients and enable linear accelerators to achieve the energies needed for current physics research within a machine of feasible size. This project entails the development of software to measure the transverse emittance of the electron beam. Emittance and its use as a beam diagnostic are discussed, and an overview of the imaging hardware and software structure are included. ASTA is a long-term project in early states of construction and, as such, has not produced results. However, simulated results are discussed.