LSS Layout Optimizations for Low-beta Optics for the HL-LHC

The High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) project aims to upgrade the existing LHC to a peak luminosity of the order 10³⁵cm⁻²s^{−1}, while retaining as much of the nominal layout and hardware as possible. The current baseline for this upgrade is the use of the Achromatic Telescopic Squeeze (ATS) concept, which allows mini-Beta squeeze in IRs 1 and 5 (ATLAS and CMS respectively) far below that possible with nominal optics. However it is useful to both explore the parameter space of the ATS scheme while also attempting to push the boundaries of the nominal layout. This paper presents a study into maximising optical flexibility of the nominal LHC Long Straight Sections (LSSs) around IPs 1 and 5. This involves replacing, moving or adding magnets within the LSS to investigate feasibility of exploiting a more conventional optical scheme than the ATS scheme. In particular the option of replacing single LSS quadrupoles with doublets is explored. The study also looks at making similar changes to the LSS while also implementing the ATS scheme, to further explore the ATS parameter space with the benefit of experience gained into flexibility of a modified nominal LHC optical scheme.