--- title: Minutes of the PS & SPS User Meeting --- # PS-SPS Users Meeting for Week 38 held on 18 September 2025 Coordinator for week 35 : Martin Jäkel Upcoming meetings : **W37 - User Meeting WEDNESDAY** 10.09, 10h30, ZOOM ONLY :::success * Current **[PS / SPS User schedule v1.3] (https://ps-sps-coordination.web.cern.ch/ps-sps-coordination/)** * **Injector schedule** (v1.2, 16.05.) for 2025 is available here: https://edms.cern.ch/document/3057281/latest ::: Update to 1.3 : * DRD5 ZHR : Access only PPE 156 week 37, week 38-39 parasitic. * DRD3 Cassia - Parasitic Week 36 & 40 :::warning **EuroLabs :** Application are open. [Please submit your requests](https://euro-labs-cern-ta.docs.cern.ch). ::: :::info w44 in H4 available (ePIC LFHCal cancelled) ::: ## News from the PS & SPS Physics Coordinator M.R. Jäkel, P. Martinengo :::success New streamlined process of registering users for test beam, who otherwise don't have an affilliation with CERN. First cases currently in progress. Please contact the PS/SPS Physics Coordinator for the required form. ::: :::info **End Physics Run 2025 Information** * NA Physics p+ : 24.11.2025 NA Physics Pb Ion 28.11-08.12 * EA Physics PB Ion (T8) 17.11-08.12 EA Physics p+ (T9) 24.11 EA Physics p+ (T10/T11) 08.12 ::: :::warning **PRELIMINARY** dates for 2026 run ([version 0.5](https://edms.cern.ch/document/3180469/0.5/) of Injector schedule) * 9th February Start n_TOF * **18th February 2026** – Start of EA Physics * **11th March 2026** – Start of NA physics ::: Waiting for release of next official injector schedule, but dates should be rather stable. :::info Aiming to send **call for 2026 beam requests out in early September** (≈ 5.09) due to the very early start next year. Deadline for requesting beam time ≈ Mid October ! ::: Reminder: *Beam time (main user) exceeding the limits of 2 weeks PS beam time and 1 week SPS beam time per year need the approval of one of these CERN committees: SPSC, LHCC or RB. Endorsment of DRDC or IEFC is a pre-requirement for longer beam time that still needs SPSC approval. Endorsement of beam time by the scientific committie does not guarantee the beam time can be scheduled.* **Target intensities:** See via [ASM](https://asm.cern.ch/experimental-area/experiments) (accessible from within the CERN network). ### News from the Facilities Operations Meeting (FOM/TIOC) **Upcoming SPS MDs next weeks :** Week 34-36 : Gap in the Ded.MDs due to HiRadMat and LHC MDs https://be-dep-ea.web.cern.ch/content/md-planning-north-area Dedicated SPS MDs - if not anounced differently - are taking place from 8:00 to 18:00 --- ## PS Machine Report (Ewen Maclean)  - Generally smooth opteration over the week, with downtime dominated by a few longer stops -- 1h wihtout beam to east on Sunday due to problem with controler for TL dipole -- 2h without beam on Monday due to problem with injection kicker (heater needed to be replaced) -- 2.5h without beam on Wednesday due to problem in PSB with injection bumpers -- 0.5h without beam on Wednesday due to problem with quad temperatures (associated with EAST 10GeV cycle) - Start of LIU reliability run in PS -- transfer LIU beam production for HL-LHC from expert task to routine operation -- 1 LIU batch tested in PS for ~45mins after regular LHC filling, generally coming from parallel MD slots to minimize impact on users -- presentation by A.Huschauer at FOM: -- https://indico.cern.ch/event/1504812/contributions/6334278/subcontributions/572823/attachments/3136137/5564779/PS_LIU_reliability_run.pdf - Studies for PSB-PS energy matching - Few issues on East 10GeV cycle yesterday. With 4 cyles in machine exceeded RMS limits on quadrupole currents. Reduced to 3 cycles, but eventually interlocked on quads on temperature limits. Reduced to single cycle yesterday evening. Mitigations to be studied. ## SPS Machine Report (Panos Zisopoulos) #### SPS Availability (since last Thursday): **77.3 %**   #### Main issues since last week - **SVC compensators** (main & back-up): ~26 h downtime - **Transverse damper trips & interventions**: ~9 h downtime + unstable beam - **Access for possible water leak**: ~1 h - **Fire alarm in BA1**: required fire brigade access & patrol ~1 h ### Spills to NA since last week  ### Short term schedule #### Week 38 (W38) - **NA & LHC physics** (Today: LHC issue with water cooling -> No beam until Friday) - **Short parallel MDs** throughout the week - **Exception**: Thursday → *Long parallel LIU MD* #### Week 39 (W39) - **LHC & NA physics** - **Short parallel MDs**: Monday, Tuesday, Friday - **Dedicated MD**: Wednesday - **Long parallel MD**: Thursday ### Activities #### Last week (W38) - TECA tests for crystal shadowing - Discussions between experts for TECA to become operational this year #### This week - **Low Energy** **HiRadMat extraction** (26 GeV) to TT66 test - **T4 intensity** rolled back to **39** units, after a scheduled increase to **55** units which triggered radiation alarm #### Next week (W39) - Pablo would like to work on the optimization of **Empty Bucket Channeling** - May degrade spill due to 200 MHz component in the spill ## Safety (Marcus Jankowski) - Please complete your [ISIEC submission](https://ep-th-safety.web.cern.ch/isiec-safety-clearance) one week in advance. Safety inspections should be requested for Wednesday afternoon - For special demands (e.g. flammable gases, bringing your own lifting equipment, etc.) contact us as soon as possible - Remember to wear your PPE (safety shoes and helmet), otherwise you are not allowed to enter beam facilities ([EDMS 1223620](https://edms.cern.ch/document/1223620)) ## TT42 Main: n_TOF (Alice Manna, Paolo M Milazzo) Smooth data taking: • In EAR1: study of neutron induced fission reactions on a 236U sample • In EAR2: measurement of 241Pu(n, f) • In the NEAR: Activation measurements  Micromegas and LaBr3 in EAR1  ## East Area Beam Status (M. van Dijk) On call phone number: :phone: [67500](tel:+41227667500) T9: Good operation. Installation of high pressure XCET, instrumentation, and magnet for NA64 planned for 24 September. T10: Good operation. T11: Shutter open in preparation for start of CLOUD run. ## East Area Users Tour de Table ### T8 Main: IRRAD_CHARM (F. Ravotti / S. Fiore) Another very good week in terms of delivered intesity: despite the fast-extraction calibration run (see below) we received on T8 >2.9E16 p/w. The TID in CHARM is not the expected one (below the 500 Gy target) because users are running with iron/concrete shielding walls inserted and with the rack in position R10 (far from the target). Beam centering statistics are excellent this week: ~96-97% on both axis.  On Tuesday afternoon/evening we requested 24 and 10 GeV/c fast-extracted beam on T8 for a few hours dosimetry calibration (Cu/Al foils with BE-EA). Wednesday afternoon, after the user access, we requested 10 GeV/c slow extractred beam for a irradiation run of DRD3 samples. This was ended at 22:00 because a problem with a tripping QUAD on our line (interlock issue, see PS report). After 22:00 we restarted normal 24 GeV/c operation. The LHCb experiment that needed the enlarged beam on BPM3 in the previous week, after analysis of their first data set, did not request a second run with it. We run until next week 3am on Wednesday morning and, after the access, the CSBF run will start (hand over to HSE-RP the coordination of T8 from 24/9 to 1/10). In a specific slot EAST_LI will be required and towards the end of the week, probably on 30/9, XSEC95 scan for foil ageing studies (F. Roncarolo, SY-BI). On the Wednesday access slot in IRRAD we removed LHCb and TS-MSC material samples, added one LHCb special experiment (scintillating fibers) and exchanged the dosimetry for the running experiments. We also equipped one table of IRRAD with a thin Al-target to be used later on during the CSBF run. All IRRAD table systems are loaded and low-fluence level samples are processed on the IRRAD1 shuttle. In CHARM we continued with full shielding as last week, removed on Saturday, keeping one CMS tracker setup and adding a second one for power supplies. ### T9 Main: ACROMASS (C. Frosin, L. Bonechi) The test started on Wed 10 September. We asked for electrons/positrons beams at very low momentum and in the last days we requested also hadrons/muons. Main purpose is the calibration of the three subdetector: TOF, magnetic spectrometer and calorimeter. There was a problem with the spectrometer DAQ. The master board was damaged and we replaced it. I took some days to have the new one. In the meanwhile we collected statistics mainly for the calorimeter using e+/e-. We are currently digitizing the analog signal coming from the low pressure Cherenkov detector. In the next days we plan to complete data taking for the calorimeter (geometrical scan) with electrons/positrons, to collect data for the TOF with hadrons and to make some data acquisition with the whole detector. ### T9 Incoming Main: NA64e (Vladimir Poliakov) The our beam test will start at next Wednesday for two week. The beam test setup shown below.  The safety visit is planned at 25 September at 14:00. We plan measurement with few beam energies 5, 10, 15 GeV. Main goal: measurement of the beam parameters, beam composition, response of electromagnetic and hadron calorimeters, precision of momentum reconstruction with MM and Straw tracking detectors. ### T10 Main: BL4S (Lena Maria MOREAU and Ela Nur KIRDERMIR on behalf of BL4S Team) BL4S Neutron Spallation Experiments: - Experimental Layout  we have completed the targetted runs for different target combinations and lengths. - Planned Run Momentums are +10, -10, +5 , -5, +1,-1 GeV. - Cherenkov Pressures are setted to 14 bar for XCET40 and 2 bar for XCET43 to detect the kaon ratio wirh beam at 5 GeV. And with this information we can understand its contribution to neutron production. - For 1 GeV we are planning to detect protons with Time of Flight. - We have completed the runs for different WENDI positions as well. - up to now - 18 cm only W - 6 cm W + 0.5 cm Alu +6 cm W + 0.5 cm Alu +6 cm W + 0.5 cm Alu (in total 19,5 cm target length). :::info We have observed the effect of having 1/2 ratio between WENDIs from the center of targets has an effect on 1/r^2 ratio on the count rate in WENDIs. :::   - Current Status: - 36 cm only W - 36 cm W and Alu combination is still ongoing. - We are planning to complete all planned runs with 60 cm target length. With and without Aluminium. - Simulations and data analysis are also ongoing as parallel to these runs. ### T10 Incoming Main: ALICE_RICH and Parallel: RE7_GAMMA_MEV (M.N. Mazziotta, R. Pillera) The beam test is planned to start on Sep 24 as soon as the previous user will clear the experimental area. The ISIEC form already submitted (id 1768) requesting the safety inspection on Sep 24 at 5PM. Here you can see the planned set-up that includes a Desy table and one XSCA table. The RICH prototype is shown in the middle on the Desy table. Upstream/Downstream one XSCA and custom tables with plastic scintillator detectors (i.e. fiber tracking) will be installed for beam particle triggering and tracking. The Gamma-Mev prototype consists on a 3 X-Y module and a stacked of plastics scintillator will be installed on the downstream table.  We will mainly use low energy electrons (<4 GeV/c) to study the Cherenkov emission in the gas that fills the RICH proximity gap and 10 GeV/c negative beam. The team is planning to arrive late on the morning Sep 23, then some stuff will be carried to BLD 157. ### T11 Incoming Main: CLOUD (Eva Sommer) CLOUD is setting up, everything is on schedule so far, planning to start on Monday 22 September. ## North Area Beam Status (M. van Dijk) On call phone number: :phone: [67500](tel:+41227667500) **H2/H4**: Good operation. **H6**: Access bridge over PPE138 / PPE146 closed off which, with discussion with RP, allowed them to increase the alarm threshold at the CERF area on the roof of H6. Despite improved collimation, we were still close to the limit and a better e+ beam rate (4x) was produced with the 100mm target in T4. Therefore, we switched back to the 100mm target and will stay like this for the week. Thank you to H8 and NA62 for their patience. **H8**: Good operation. **M2**: Good operation. **P42/K12**: Good operation. ## North Area Users Tour de Table ### H2 Outgoing Main: ALICE_FOCAL (Please insert your name) ### H2 Main: DRD6 CRILIN (Elisa Di Meco, Ivano Sarra) - Mounting completed, ISIEC clereance recived. - Now focusing on final allignment of the setup using the beam - Long run during the night with the high energy setup, now trying the lowest one to check signals behaviour - All good for now -  ### H2 Incoming Main: CMS_HGCAL (Arnaud Steen) - Testing calorimeters based on silicon modules and SiPM-on-tile modules. - Installed successfully on the Nikhef table the silicon modules.   - Plan to commission and run calibration until Wednesday 24 - The SiPM-on-tile will be setup outside H2 and moved in H2 on Wednesday 24 - Beam requirements: - Electron beam: 20-200 GeV (even more if possible). Rate between 10 and 100 kHz - Pion beam beam: 100 GeV - Muon beam ### H4 Outgoing Main: LHCB_ECAL (L. Martinazzoli & D. Manuzzi) Smooth testbeam with loads of valuable data taken. Studied new SpaCal prototypes for the LS3 Enhancement with Pb and W absorber and scintillating 3HF-based plastic fibres. Tested candidate PMTs, different readout configurations, etc.. A couple of prototypes were delayed. Looking forward to test them at the next occasion. One hiccup to report: - on Saturday night we switched from 20 GeV e- to 80 GeV pi+; - on Sunday morning we switched back to 20 GeV e- but we continued to receive 80 GeV pi+: all collimators/magnets in the e- file were set to pi+ values. - Thanks a lot to Dipanwita for spotting the issue! Finally, thanks a lot also to Nikos & Bastien and the infrastructure team for the help and support!  ### H4 Main: ILC_DUMPS (Davide Bozzato) - The installation of the full experimental set-up went very smoothly.   - First tests with the hadron beam performed until midnight went well. - Currently testing the CsI calorimeter assembly and the final allignment of the setup using the beam. - Plan to perform the first test with the electron/positron beams towards lunchtime and in the afternoon. ### H4 Incoming Main: SND (Please insert your name) ### H6 Outgoing Main: DRD6 RADICAL (Please insert your name) ### H6 Main: DRD6 MAXICC (Please insert your name) ### H8 Main: CMS MTD BTL (Claudio Quaranta)  - Setup installed and running - 4 layers of Detector Modules (DM=3mm thick LYSO scintillators) + MCPs + plastic scintillator - Expect some short accesses to change the device under test on daily basis - Beam settings are fine for our studies, we may eventually ask for a slight reduction of beamspot (not needed for the moment) ### H8 Incoming Main: DRD6_IDEA_DRC (Nural Akchurin, Gabriella Gaudio, Roberto Ferrari) Upcoming period of two weeks will be shared between the US (Sept 24-29) and the European (Sept 29-Oct 8) groups. The US group will start as the primary user on Sept 24 and continue its program with the HG-DREAM prototype. Last run period (Aug 13-20): • Good set of positron data for energy calibration purposes • Energy scan with positrons and hadrons • Good timing information that is referenced to MCPs • Analysis ongoing with interesting results Issues: • Cherenkov threshold counters: Need to revisit signal cable routing, PMTs, and validity of pressure curves for XCET474, 517, and 537. • Delay wire chamber (DWC1): high frequency noise was not possible to eliminate during the last run. Need to change/fix the discriminator electronics on the chamber • Muon Veto counter: Poor signal quality (old PMT and light tightness) and long signal delay due to its location after the beam dump. It is desirable to install an absorber (~80 cm iron) behind the sapphire table with a new Muon Veto counter behind it. This run period (Sept 24-29): • Install neutral density filters on the scintillation channels to better control the saturation effect • Reconfigure DRS readout for better Cherenkov coverage • Recalibrate with 80 GeV positrons • Perform energy scan with positrons and hadrons in a wide energy range • Rotate detector by ~90 degrees for timing calibration and perform longitudinal scan • Test new fibers in the unlikely event of remaining/additional beam time ### H8 Outgoing Parallel: UA9 (Francesca Galluccio) UA9 finished data taking on Wednesday morning. Everything was out of the area and all of the exposed equipment measured by RP by noon. We could not manage to finished all the measurements with the planned statistics, but we are quite satisfied with the preliminary data we took. Data analysis will start soon. Thank you to the beam physicists and all the support teams. We'll apply for more beam time next year. ### K12-P42 Main: NA62 (Ilaria Panichi) - Generally smooth data taking, with good quality beam. - Yesterday morning, after the increase of the intensity on T4 (causing an intensity on T10 of 28 units instead of our standard 21 units), we had problems with the DAQ. We managed to temporarly stabilize our system by moving the P42 tax to get a smaller hole. In the end, we did not loose too much data. After discussion with beam physicist, most probably there was a misunderstanding about the timing of the T4 intensity change. - Starting from 13/10 (week 42) we would like to start a one-week of low intensity runs ### M2 Main: AMBER (Martin Hoffmann) - Beam tuning of 100 GeV muon beam with Dipanwita - TPC - Helium permit (last Wednesday), flushing with helium - Submitted HV procedure, waiting for feedback - Work on DAQ integration and monitoring - Centred some detectors on beam, surveyed positions (Wednesday) - SciFis/Hodoscopes working, optimisations ongoing - Will discuss with MuonE regarding short run with Hadron Beam (Friday). ### H6 Outgoing Parasitic: CMS MTD ETL ETRO (Marcos Fernandez) We appreciate the 3 weeks time extension provided. We are always using the H6B parasitic position. Actions this week: - CMS ETROC suitcase setup moved from the yellow table to a concrete block (~1m shift). Alignment finished, beam found.  - We also added a small second ETROC telescope to test new readout system (LPGBt based). This will be the baseline for the future.Alignment was successfull. Beam seen. We are ready for beam. Finally we would like to thank the RADICAL team upstream for their team-spirit and communication, providing us with hadron beam as soon as it was possible for them. ### H6 Parasitic: DRD5 UZH (Vagelis Gkougkousis) - Installation almost comlete, safety insoection this morning - Use of 10 kW water chiller to reamin as permanently infrasructure in the area - Colling since yesterday afternoon, currently at a 2.2 K internal temperature with ~ 1e-6 mbar pressure - Alignement later today with beam, start of data taking tonight with no schedule for intervention until next Wednesday - Tet on NbTiN and NbN structure on poly-Si substrate with wire widths of 80 - 700 nm and films of 7 - 9 nm thick  - Secondary run with MgB2 and TaN on saphire / SiC substrates    ### H8 Parasitic: HERD FIT (Please insert your name) ### H8 Parasitic: STRAW_TRACKER_RD (Please insert your name) ### M2 Parasitic: MUONE (Please insert your name) --- ## AoB --- _Minutes by the respective speakers, edited by M. Jäkel and M. Malkin_