Electromagnetic Wave Excitation, Propagation, and Absorption in High Current Storage Rings

We analyze a variety of electromagnetic effects in storage rings with extremely high currents. Specifically, we discuss our experience in the operation of the PEP-II (SLAC B-factory). We present some outstanding and sometimes unpredictable effects of the behavior of electromagnetic waves excited by intense beams inside a vacuum chamber in storage rings. Although the impedance of the rings is usually designed to be small, intense high-current beams can still generate significant microwave power. This power can be enough to damage vacuum beam chamber elements, which may absorb electromagnetic waves. The most sensitive elements are RF seals, vacuum valves, shielded bellows, beam position monitor buttons, and ceramic tiles. Additionally, microwave heating leads to vacuum pressure spikes or even vacuum pressure instabilities that brings high detector background. Resonance excitation of the electromagnetic field may lead to a very high electric component amplitude that can cause breakdowns leading to sparks and discharges. Finally, high-power electromagnetic waves can be responsible for beam instabilities in the ring. Proper absorption of these generated waves may eliminate these effects. We feel our experience will be helpful in the design of new high current synchrotron light sources and storage rings.