Beam Studies Made with the SPS Ionization Profile Monitor

During the last two years of SPS operation, investigations were pursued on the ability of the SPS ionization profile monitor prototype to fulfill different tasks. It is now established that the instrument can be used for injection matching tuning, by turn to turn recording of the beam size after the injection. Other applications concern beam size measurements on beams ranging from an individual bunch to a nominal SPS batch foreseen for injection into the LHC (288 bunches). By continuously tracking throughout the SPS acceleration cycle from 26 GeV to 450 GeV the evolution of parameters associated to the beam size, it is possible to explain certain beam behaviour. Comparisons are also made at different beam currents and monitor gains with measurements made with the wire scanners. Data are presented and discussed, and the possible implementation of new features is suggested in order to further improve the consistency of the measurements.