Operational Experience of the Upgraded LHC Injection Kicker Magnets

During Run 1 of the LHC the injection kicker magnets caused occasional operational delays due to beam induced heating with high bunch intensity and short bunch lengths. In addition, sometimes there were also sporadic issues with microscopic unidentified falling objects, vacuum activity and electrical flashover of the injection kickers. An extensive program of studies was launched and significant upgrades were carried out during long shutdown 1. These upgrades include a new design of a beam screen to both reduce the beam coupling impedance of the kicker magnet, and to significantly reduce the electric field associated with the screen conductors, hence decreasing the probability of electrical breakdown in this region. In addition new cleaning procedures were implemented and equipment adjacent to the injection kickers and various vacuum components were modified. This paper presents operational experience of the injection kicker magnets during Run 2 of the LHC and assesses the effectiveness of the various upgrades.