Upgrading the SPS Fast Extraction Kicker Systems for HL-LHC

The CERN SPS has two fast extraction systems, each consisting of travelling wave kicker magnets (MKEs). The beam induced heating in the ferrite yoke of these magnets was historically kept to an acceptable level by implementing water cooling of the kicker magnets: in addition serigraphy was applied on the surfaces of the ferrite yoke facing the beam. Nevertheless, high intensity beams needed in the future for HL-LHC will significantly increase the beam induced heating, potentially raising the MKE ferrite yoke temperature to its Curie point. Hence detailed studies of longitudinal beam coupling impedance were carried out to identify simple but effective methods of further reducing beam induced power deposition. Based on the results of these studies, and in the framework of the LHC Injectors Upgrade (LIU) project, an upgraded MKE kicker magnet was installed during the 2015-2016 shutdown. This paper reports and compares results of predictions, laboratory measurements, temperature measurements during SPS operation, and machine development studies. Measurements of both dynamic pressure rise in the upgraded magnet and Secondary Electron Yield, on samples, are also reported.