Versatile Beamline Cryostat for the Cryogenic Current Comparator (CCC) for FAIR

The Cryogenic Current Comparator (CCC) extends the measurement range of traditional non-destructive current monitors used in accelerator beamlines down to a few nano-amperes of direct beam current. This is achieved by a cryogenic environment of liquid helium around the beamline, in which the beam’s magnetic field is measured with a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID), which is itself enclosed in a superconducting shielding structure. For this purpose, a versatile UHV-beamline cryostat was designed for the CCCs at FAIR and is currently in production. It is built for long-term autonomous operation with a closed helium re-liquefaction cycle and with good access to all inner components. The design is supported by simulations of the cryostat’s mechanical eigenmodes to minimize the excitation by vibrations in an accelerator environment. A prototype at GSI has demonstrated the self-contained cryogenic operation in combination with a 15 l/day re-liquefier. The cryostat will be used in CRYRING to compare the FAIR-CCC-X with newly developed CCC-types for 150 mm beamlines. Both which will supply a nA current reading during commissioning and for the experiments.