The Detector Control System of the New Small Wheel for the ATLAS experiment

Abstract

The ATLAS Muon Spectrometer is going through an extensive Phase I upgrade to cope up with the future LHC runs of high luminosity of up to instantaneous luminosity of 7.5 × 1034cm−2s−1. The luminosity increase drastically impacts the ATLAS trigger and readout data rates. The present ATLAS Small Wheel Muon detector will be replaced with a New Small Wheel (NSW) detector which is expected to be installed in the ATLAS underground cavern by the end of the Long Shutdown 2 of the LHC. Due to its complexity and long-term operation, the NSW requires the development of a sophisticated Detector Control System (DCS). The use of such a system is necessary to allow the detector to function consistently and safely as well as to function as a seamless interface to all sub-detectors and the technical infrastructure of the experiment. The central system handles the transition between the probe’s possible operating states while ensuring continuous monitoring and archiving of the system’s operating parameters. Any abnormality in any subsystem of the detector triggers a signal or alert (alarm), which alerts the user and either adapts to automatic processes or allows manual actions to reset the system to function properly.