Metamaterials could allow developing superconductive-like materials at ambient temperature, with consequent drastic reduction in energy consumption. They are therefore promising materials for future accelerators of small and big scale. Here, electromagnetic metamaterials to synthesize an equivalent structure that approaches superconductive-like properties, i.e. extremely high electrical conductivity, are investigated. The underlying electromagnetic model is formalized analytically using transmission line theory and supported by electromagnetic simulations and experimental measurements.

During the third run of the Large Hadron Collider in 2023, which had the highest intensity bunch population compared to previous runs, increased losses attributed to pressure spikes within a warm vacuum sector triggered a beam dump. Subsequent inspections revealed localised annealing and plasticisation of the tension spring in the sliding contact radio-frequency finger module, alongside traces of vapour deposition on the various module components with the stainless-steel spring material. A comprehensive analysis involving vacuum and beam impedance studies was conducted to investigate the triggering mechanisms behind the radio-frequency finger module failure. The findings indicate localised beam-induced heating, which could lead to the annealing of the spring with a consequent cascade of effects. Additionally, investigations of potential mitigation measures were performed.

A new design of fast wire scanner was installed in the CERN injector complex as part of the upgrades linked to the High-Luminosity LHC Project. Initial operations with these beams were good, but during the planned intensity ramp-up one early 2023, all four SPS scanners failed at the same time. An urgent program was put in place to understand and address this failure with experts from across the accelerator fields. Many measurements and simulations were performed and solutions implemented. This paper gives an overview of the issues seen, understanding and mitigations put in place to allow the instrument to perform at the maximum planned operational intensities.

All wires of the four CERN SPS rotational wirescanners broke when increasing the beam intensity towards the target for the LHC Injector Upgrade in 2023. Impedance and thermal studies were immediately launched, with simulations and measurements indicating that beam induced heating from resonant modes on the thin wire could be sufficient to cause these breakages. Mitigation measures to displace electromagnetic losses away from the wire were proposed and implemented. This allowed a much higher beam intensity to be reached, close to the LIU target. Simulations now predict that the modified wirescanners can sustain the LIU beam parameters.