Operational studies and expected performance of superconducting quadrupole magnets in the first stages of secondary beams

A low current, large bore, epoxy impregnated superconducting quadrupole magnet was constructed at Argonne National Laboratory as a possible prototype for secondary beam use. The quadrupole magnet was placed in the Fermilab P-West High Intensity Area beam for beam quenching tests. Tests were performed by targetting a primary proton beam directly onto the quadrupole coil and by using the quadrupole in its anticipated role as part of the first stage flux collection triplet for a zero degree anti-proton secondary beam formed from the decays of neutral Lambda particles. Comparing the results with similar tests performed using forced flow Energy Saver dipoles shows that the epoxy impregnated quadrupoles have a much greater sensitivity to beam induced quenching at a similar fraction of the conductor short sample limit. Using the CASIM program, calculations indicate that such eopxy impregnated coils would not be viable as first stage flux collection elements without appreciable collimation and subsequent loss of secondary beam acceptance. Quadrupoles based on Energy Saver technology appear capable of tolerating acceptable primary beam intensities. The momentum dispersing bends will require even larger aperture superconducting dipoles or neutral beam dump within the bend string