Since the ’70, physics of interaction between bent crystals and heavy particles (protons or ions) is investigated at various worldwide particle accelerators, driven by the possibility to use bent crystals as optical elements for steering or focusing charged particle beams.
Recent improvements in crystal manufacturing techniques, joined with a deeper understanding of the physics behind crystals-particle beams interactions lead to a discovery of numerous interactional effects appearing as crystal planes or axis are aligned to a charged particle beam. The technology readiness level is mature enough to allow the use of crystals even in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) of CERN, where crystals are being experimented as primary collimators of the protons or ions circulating beam, and are suggested as core elements of fixed-target experiments. The crystals, that operates without the need of a power source, does not require a cryogenic environment and are extremely compact and lightweight, can represent a reliable alternative to the use of magnets or other optical elements in ultra-high energy and intensity particle modern particle accelerators.
The purpose of this work is describe manufacturing and characterization solutions of crystals suitable for installation in the LHC as primary collimators of the proton or lead ions circulating beams. Successful development of such crystals is based on a merging of ultra-modern technologies used in microelectronics, X-ray science, ultra-precise optical and mechanical machining. Availability of this innovative generation of crystals makes to envisage innovative possibilities for particle beam steering at ultra-high energy and intensities particle accelerators.
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