Controls and alignment for the University of Maryland Electron Ring

The University of Maryland Electron Ring (UMER) is a compact experiment that will be used to study the fundamental properties of space-charge dominated beams. Because of the small physical dimensions and weak fields involved, maintaining the beam's orbit is a difficult challenge. Accurate characterization of the magnets, careful alignment, and an effective control system are all critical to the project's success. In this report, the key challenges are outlined and the procedures that will be implemented to address them are explained. Existing portions of the system are described, and future plans are evaluated with computer simulation.