Bunch length and the 102/90 degrees optics

The bunch length in LEP has become a cause for concern, particularly in the ramp to high energies. Short bunch lengths excite higher order modes which can cause heating of the inter-cavity bellows a nd may be picked up by antennae cables causing burning. The bunch length is also important from a cryogenics viewpoint; HOM losses go up with shorter bunches and more cryogenics power is required. Measurements made during 1997 show that it is strongly advisable to maintain bunch lengths above 9 mm particularly with high bunch currents. The use of a low emittance lattice such as 102/90 degr ees exacerbates the problem; because of the decreased momentum compaction the bunch lengths are naturally shorter. This paper quantifies the bunch lengths to be expected at various stages of ope ration in 1998 and presents recommendations for the avoidance of bunch lengths shorter than 9 mm.