Isochronous Optics and Related Measurements in EPA

The time structure of the CLIC (Compact Linear Collider) drive beam is obtained by the combination of electron bunch trains in rings using RF deflectors [1]. The rings must be isochronous, in order to preserve the bunch length and separation during the combination process (4-5 turns). A first isochronicity test has been performed in the CERN EPA (Electron Positron Accumulator) ring. The calculated isochronous lattice can be obtained by changing the strength of existing quadrupole families without hardware modifications. Measurements of the synchrotron frequency and of the beam's time structure have been made for both the normal and the isochronous lattices. Streak camera measurements of the bunch length have been used to tune the lattice around the isochronous point. The bunch length increases rapidly over a few turns in the normal case, while no appreciable bunch lengthening is observed over 50 turns in the isochronous case. A quantitative evaluation of the momentum compaction is obtained by measuring the bunch separation in a train when close to, and far from, the isochronous condition. Plans for future tests in the EPA ring are also outlined