TECA, a crystal shadowing device in the SPS

The purpose of the Target Extraction Crystal version A (TECA) is to reduce the beam losses during the slow extraction towards the North Zone (Prévessin site). The TECA is equipped with a crystal device that provides a kick to the beam particles which otherwise would impinge on the electrostatic septum wires and are the main loss point in the whole SPS. The new device is expected to provide a significant reduction of the beam losses up to a factor of 10, depending on the crystal technologies that will be tested starting from 2022. The TECA is located in the SPS LSS4 (a long straight section in the SPS tunnel). The above photo is taken in the SPS tunnel at point BA4 during the vacuum pumping phase of the line. From left to right: Anthony Harrison, working for the 'vacuum' team, responsible for SPS; Régis Seidenbinder, the equipment manager; Eloise Matheson and Santiago Andres Solis Paivas, responsible for electronics of equipment as well as the alignment of the crystal; and Romain Scordo, mechanical engineer.