Effect of Electron Cloud in Quadrupoles on Beam Instability

Both simulations and machine experience at the CERN-SPS and LHC have shown that the electron cloud has a lower build up threshold in quadrupoles than in dipoles and field free regions. As a consequence, while beam induced scrubbing can efficiently suppress the electron cloud in both dipoles and field free regions, a residual electron cloud can still survive in the quadrupoles and potentially degrade the beam quality. To study this effect, a PyECLOUD module for electron tracking in quadrupole fields including effects of secondary emission at the vacuum chamber has been implemented in PyHEADTAIL. With this module, the effect of the electron cloud in quadrupoles on beam stability and beam quality preservation can be assessed, as well as its impact on future LHC and HL-LHC operation.