R2e – Experience And Outlook

The period before 2011 and 2012 LHC operation involved several mitigation actions related to R2E (" Radiation to Electronics ") project [1] aiming at keeping SEE (" Single Event Effect ") failures at an acceptable rate. In this respect, 2012 very successful LHC operation has continued to provide valuable inputs for the detailed analysis of radiation levels and radiation induced equipment failures, confirming the estimates provided in Chamonix 2012. Radiation levels around LHC critical areas and the LHC tunnel were studied in detail and compared both to available 2011 measurements and previous simulation results, as well as put in perspective to future LHC operation parameters. Observed radiation induced failures were continuously analysed and addressed through early relocation measures and patch-solutions on the equipment level whenever required and/or possible. During LS1 all primary mitigation actions will be completed, involving significant relocation and shielding activities all around the LHC and aiming to allow for nominal operation and beyond. This paper will focus on the observed equipment failures, their relation to radiation levels and extrapolation to post-LS1 operation.