Mechanisms for suppressing the transverse mode coupling instability in a circular accelerator

The chromatic and nonlinear suppression of the transverse mode coupling instability in a circular accelerator is analyzed. Analytical estimates are compared with the results of experiments and numerical simulations. The transverse mode coupling (or fast head—tail) instability is a significant factor that limits the beam intensity in circular accelerators. This instability arises when the bunch current exceeds a threshold value determined by the broadband impedance of the vacuum chamber. Feedback systems are traditionally used to suppress the instability. The experience of working with such systems shows that their efficiency depends strongly on the operating parameters of the amplifier, particularly on the chromaticity and nonlinearity of the magnetic lattice. Thus, both chromatic and nonlinear effects should be taken into account to better understand the physical processes and to increase the feedback efficiency.