On the design of beam absorbers for the SSC

The 20 TeV beam absorbers for the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) present a formidable design challenge. Protons from the SSC will have: 20 times the energy, be 20 times harder to bend, and be distributed with a natural transvers-size √20 times smaller than from all previous accelerators. This paper concentrates on the thermo-physical demands made on a beam backstop in terminating 20 TeV protons. In particular radiation-shielding, logic, control, and beam diagnostic requirements will not be discussed. We will report on Monte Carlo simulations, made using the MARS10 code of N. Mokhov which provides a basis for evaluating beam spreading and painting scenarios. The merits of various standard painting schemes are than discussed. Finally we present some new options for spreading the beam spot which are currently under investigations. 12 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab