HL-LHC full remote alignment study

This study explores the benefits of extending the monitoring and remote alignment concept, proposed in the HL-LHC baseline, to additional components of the matching sections of the HL-LHC. The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefits in terms of equipment performance and new opportunities for system simplification. In collaboration with the HL-LHC Working Group on Alignment, critical input parameters such as ground motion, manufacturing, assembly, and alignment tolerances, have been quantified. Solutions for the selected, manually aligned components have been investigated with the particular focus on vacuum design, mechanical design and the new alignment concept compatible with reliability and maintainability requirements. In this context, collimators and masks are key elements to be included in the extended alignment system. A solution is under study to integrate their supporting systems with the concept of on-line monitoring sensors and an actuator-based, remote alignment platform. The full remote alignment of components will have a positive impact on machine operation by reducing the need of human intervention in the tunnel and by providing enhanced flexibility to perform the required alignment adjustment as part of an operational tool for the HL-LHC.