Characterisation of electro-optic pickups for high bandwidth diagnostics at the High Luminosity LHC

A high bandwidth electro-optical beam position monitor is under development for the High Luminosity LHC. A series of measurements of the electro-optic signals were previously obtained by an EO-BPM prototype installed in the SPS. This paper focuses on an advanced design that would further improve the sensitivity of the pick-up by optimising the shape of the metallic electrode mounted onto the crystal. The proposed upgraded electro-optic pickups significantly increase the image field profile of the passing bunch inside a lithium niobate crystal embedded within the pickup. This work is based on parametric studies, performed using CST particle studio, investigating various electro-optic (electrode and crystal) configurations. We present the expected performance of the different designs, alongside with their evaluation on a test bench, highlighting the most relevant choice for a prototype pick-up to be installed on LHC.