Optics study for a possible crystal-based collimation system for the LHC

The use of bent crystals as primary collimators has been long proposed as an option to improve the cleaning efficiency of the LHC betatron and momentum collimation systems. These systems are presently based on twostage collimation with amorphous scatterers and absorbers. Crystals are expected to help by channelling and extracting the halo particles with large angles, resulting in higher cleaning efficiency. Independent of ongoing studies for crystal qualifications (not reported here), it is important to understand the required deflection angles and the possible locations of absorbers for the LHC layout. Optics studies have been performed in order to specify the required angles for various LHC beam energies and possible locations of absorbers for the deflected halo beam. A possible layout for crystal-assisted collimation at the LHC is discussed, aiming for a solution which would not change the LHC layout but would make use of the existing collimator locations.