[en] The experimental problem of the calibration of magnetic field in large iron detectors is discussed. Emphasis is laid on techniques based on ballistic measurements as the ones employed by MINOS or OPERA. In particular, we provide analytical formulas to model the behavior of the apparatus in the transient regime, keeping into account eddy current effects and the finite penetration velocity of the driving fields. These formulas ease substantially the design of the calibration apparatus. Results are compared with experimental data coming from a prototype of the OPERA spectrometer

[en] The experimental problem of the calibration of magnetic field in large iron detectors located in underground areas is discussed. Emphasis is laid on techniques based on ballistic measurements as the ones employed by MINOS or OPERA. An experimental investigation of the precision achievable by these methods has been carried out using a full-scale prototype of the OPERA spectrometer built in Frascati in 2001. We demonstrate that a field calibration at the level of 3% can be reached and discuss in details the limiting systematics. Moreover, we provide analytical formulas to model the behaviour of the apparatus in the transient regime, keeping into account eddy current effects and the finite penetration velocity of the driving fields. These formulas ease substantially the design of the calibration apparatus. Finally, ballistic techniques are shown to match the requirements for field calibration at the next generation long-baseline neutrino experiments and are well-suited to operate in underground laboratories

[en] Obtaining very short bunches is an issue especially for colliders but also for CSR sources. The modulation of the bunch length in a strong rf focusing regime had been proposed, corresponding to a high value of the synchrotron tune. A ring structure where the function R56 along the ring oscillates between large positive and negative values will produce bunch length modulation. The synchrotron frequency can be tuned both by the rf power and by the integral of the function R56, up to the limit of zero value corresponding to the isochronicity condition. The proposal of a bunch length modulation along the ring in DAΦNE is here described. DAΦNE lattice can be tuned to positive or negative momentum compaction values, or to structures in which the two arcs are respectively set to positive/negative integrals of the R56 function. With the installation of an extra rf system at 1.3 GHz, experiments on bunch length modulation both in the regime of high and low synchrotron tune can be realized

[en] The e⁺e^- collider DAΦNE, a 1.02 GeV c.m. Φ-factory, has reached a peak luminosity of about 1.4 x 10³² cm^-2 s^-1 and a peak integrated luminosity in one day of about 8.6 pb^-1. With the current rates the physics program of the three main experiments DEAR, FINUDA and KLOE will be completed by the end of 2007. In this paper we describe in detail the steps which have led to the luminosity improvement and the options for the upgrade of the collider towards higher energy and/or luminosity

[en] SPARX is an evolutionary project proposed by a collaboration among ENEA-INFN-CNR-Universita di Roma Tor Vergata aiming at the construction of a FELSASE X-ray source in the Tor Vergata Campus. The first phase of the SPARX project, funded by Government Agencies, will be focused on RandD activity on critical components and techniques for future X-ray facilities as described in this paper

[en] The operation of DAFNE, the 1.02 GeV c.m. e⁺e^- collider of the Frascati National Laboratory with the KLOE experimental detector was successfully concluded in March 2006. Since April 2004 it delivered a luminosity > 2 fb^-1 on the peak of the Φ resonance, > 0.25 fb^-1 off peak and a high statistics scan of the resonance. The best peak luminosity obtained during this run was 1.5 10³² cm^-2s^-1, while the maximum daily integrated luminosity was 10 pb^-1. The KLOE detector has been removed from one of the two interaction regions and its low beta section substituted with a standard magnetic structure allowing for an easy vertical separation of the beams, while the FINUDA detector has been moved onto the second interaction point. Several improvements on the rings have also been implemented and are described together with the results of machine studies aimed at improving the collider efficiency and testing new operating conditions

[en] FELs based on SASE are believed to be powerful tools to explore the frontiers of basic sciences, from physics to chemistry to biology. Intense R and D programs have started in the USA and Europe in order to understand the SASE physics and to prove the feasibility of these sources. The allocation of considerable resources in the Italian National Research Plan (PNR) brought about the formation of a CNR-ENEA-INFN-University of Roma 'Tor Vergata' study group. A conceptual design study has been developed and possible schemes for linac sources have been investigated, bringing to the SPARX proposal. We report in this paper the results of a preliminary start to end simulation concerning one option we are considering based on an S-band normal conducting linac with high brightness photoinjector integrated in a RF compressor

[en] The SPARC project has entered its installation phase at the Frascati National Laboratories of INFN: its main goal, the promotion of an RandD activity oriented to the development of a high brightness photoinjector to drive SASE-FEL experiments, is being vigorously pursued by a collaboration among ENEA-INFN-CNR-Universita di Roma Tor Vergata-INFM-ST. In this paper we will report on the installation and test of some major components, like Ti:Sa laser system, RF gun and RF power system. Advancements in the control and beam diagnostics systems will also be reported, in particular on the emittance-meter device for beam emittance measurements in the drift space downstream the RF gun. Recent results on laser pulse shaping show the feasibility of producing 10 ps flat-top laser pulses in the UV with rise time below 1 ps. First FEL experiments have been proposed, using SASE, seeding and non-linear resonant harmonics

[en] The instrumented targets of the OPERA neutrino experiment are complemented by two massive spectrometers based on gapless iron magnets. In 2006, a systematic assessment of their electromagnetic properties have been carried out. In this document, we report the results of such characterization and demonstrate that the achieved performance fulfill the physics requirements for the study of ν_μ→ν_τ oscillations

[en] The design and construction of the 990-ton gapless iron magnets for the OPERA experiment represent a major challenge from the point of view of mechanics, electric and heat engineering. Two of such magnets have been built in a deep underground hall of the Gran Sasso laboratories between 2003 and 2006 and they have been switched on for the first time in March 2006. In this paper we discuss the construction and characterization of these devices. First experience with the CNGS beam are also reported