New technique for bunch shape flattening

A technique for increasing the bunching factor (Bf) is described. Typically in booster-type synchrotrons, it is important to reduce the transverse space-charge tune shift. One means to achieve this is to increase the ratio of average to peak longitudinal charge density. Essentially, the idea is to create hollow bunches by sweeping high-harmonic empty buckets into the particle beam prior to bunching and acceleration. Successful beam experiments are reported with supporting LONG1D simulation studies performed on the CERN PS Booster for both single and dual rf cases. The longitudinally hollow bunches also benefit the receiving ring during the double batch transfer where half of the PS has to wait 1.2 seconds at low energy for the second injection. A 15th harmonic rf system was used to form the empty buckets. Simulations show that for the single harmonic case, Bf is increased from 0.28 to 0.38, and for the dual harmonic one, Bf is increased from 0.45 to 0.55 (values at 100 MeV). The flattening technique has been tested successfully with the first harmonic to 1 GeV and to 100 MeV for dual harmonic acceleration.