Beam Diagnostics (DIG)
In a synchrotron light source a reliable beam diagnostics system is essential to ensure the quality of the light delivered to the users. In order to succeed in their research the users need a very stable photon beam. Created in 2001, the LNLS Diagnostic group is responsible for maintaining and creating new diagnostics tools for the electron and X-ray beams. The group provides tools to process and analyze the beam signals to allow continuous monitoring of beam characteristics such as orbit stability, intensity and transversal and longitudinal profiles. The creation of data analysis tools for accelerators is also part of the group activities.
The diagnostics group is also responsible for maintaining and improving the timing systems of the storage ring and beamlines. Such systems are responsible for generating electrical signals with temporal precision in the order of a few picoseconds (1 pico second = 0, 000 000 000 001 seconds).
The technical activities performed by the group have usually close contact with precision electronics (low noise, low drift), radio frequency devices, programmable logic devices (FPGAs, DSPs, CPLDs and microprocessors), high-level (C, Matlab ® ) and embedded programming.
In recent years, the group has been also working with fast feedback systems such as a global fast orbit and bunch-by-bunch feedback systems. These new areas of actuation are related not only to the improvements of the existing light source, but also with the developments for the new synchrotron light source SIRIUS.
