Research and application on alignment technology of PREF

Background The Proton Radiation Experiment Facility for the displacement damage effect is the first and only dedicated platform in China for simulating displacement damage effects. It serves as a key experimental infrastructure supporting the advancement of space science and technology, as well as the development of domestic aerospace components.
Purpose This study aims to ensure the alignment accuracy of all synchrotron components by analyzing alignment and dipole magnetic field errors that significantly impact closed orbit distortion. Precise alignment procedures and closed orbit correction are applied to achieve this goal.
Methods A single-station, large-field-of-view measurement method was adopted to perform the global alignment of all synchrotron components. A "one-station" alignment strategy was implemented, and closed orbit correction tests were conducted to compare beam orbits before and after correction.
Results All synchrotron components were aligned within a short time frame, with positioning errors in all directions controlled within ± 0.1 mm. The measurement outcomes satisfied the design specifications of the accelerator. Closed orbit correction effectively reduced orbit distortion, meeting the required physical parameters.
Conclusions The application of the single-station, large-field-of-view global alignment method, combined with closed orbit correction, resulted in alignment accuracy exceeding design requirements. Alignment efficiency improved by over 50%, ensuring the successful commissioning of the Proton Radiation Experiment Facility.