A rudimentary electron energy analyzer for accelerator diagnostics

We have constructed a compact, planar retarding field analyzer for the diagnostics of low-energy, background electrons in a high-energy particle accelerator. Bench measurements of the analyzer have been made to characterize it, and the results are reasonable in light of models of this type of analyzer. Comparisons to results obtained using a beam-position monitor (BPM) show the advantages of this analyzer for electron diagnostics. Sample results from analyzers installed at the Advanced Photon Source storage ring at Argonne National Laboratory and the Proton Storage Ring at Los Alamos National Laboratory show how the analyzers can be used for studying the intensity, energy, and time structure of electrons in an accelerator environment.