INTEGRATION OF SYMBOLIC COMPUTING IN ACCELERATOR CONTROL

Abstract

Modern symbolic computing programs address not only the manipulation of mathematical functions, but also process control. Symbolic computing can thus be a powerful tool for developing algorithmic engines that can be fully integrated in the controls environment and facilitates modular design of control systems. This technique has been applied to a special class of accelerator problems, namely the beam steering in transfer lines and accelerator rings in the CERN PS Complex. An optimizer for beam trajectories has first been developed off line then linked on line to process interface routines for prototyping. A beam optics program with a full graphics environment and symbolic functions was used to generate necessary information for the optimizer. An application program has then been written to integrate the system into the controls environment.