The Proton Synchrotron

Abstract

Three proton synchrotrons are now in operation in the energy range above 1000 MeV (1 GeV). A 1-GeV machine has been constructed at the University of Birmingham and 3- and 6-GeV machines are located at the Brookhaven National Laboratory (N. Y.) and the Berkeley Radiation Laboratory (California). In this report a general description of these three synchrotrons is preceded by a brief presentation of the applicable proton dynamics. A survey is also included of the salient features of a 10-GeV air-cored proton synchrotron under construction at Canberra (Australia).The discovery of alternating-gradient focusing has made possible the design of proton synchrotrons in the 10 to 50 GeV range. The dynamics of protons in alternating-gradient fields are discussed and design data are presented for machines to be constructed by Brookhaven and by the European Organization for Nuclear Research in Geneva, Switzerland. A novel application of the new focusing method evolved by the Midwest Universities Research Association (U.S.A.) is also explained.