Non-Redundant Aperture Interferometry (NRAI) is a beam characterization technique developed at ALBA in collaboration with radio-astronomy institutes. It enables the single-acquisition measurement of the full 2D transverse profile of the electron beam using visible synchrotron radiation. To better understand the technique limitations and performance, we performed extensive SRW simulations and compare them with experimental data. This paper presents the results of these studies, which define the capabilities and limits of NRAI applied to the current ALBA machine, as well as its feasibility for the ALBA II upgrade.

The ALBA synchrotron is preparing its upgrade to ALBA II, a fourth-generation storage ring that will require improved bunch by bunch beam diagnostics in order to fully characterize the beam. To meet these requirements and based on the analysis developed using the HOTCAP code [1], we are integrating an oscilloscope-based analysis tool that processes BPM signals to extract bunch-by-bunch charge, transverse position, and relative changes of the longitudinal phase. This report summarizes how the tool has been adapted for ALBA, including possible bunch length measurements. We show results using this method and compare them with respect to other techniques.

The development of Beam Position Monitors (BPMs), and particularly the design of the button pickup, is critically important with the new generation of Synchrotron Light Sources. Specifically, the miniaturization of the vacuum pipe and the broadening of the beam spectrum present special challenges for the button's design to meet the superior stability requirements demanded by new feedback systems. This paper will address trends and challenges in BPM design for new light sources, covering material compatibility, precision manufacturing challenges, and the importance of prototyping and testing.

The upgrade of ALBA to a fourth generation light source ALBA II forsees to reduce the electron beam emittance to about 200 pm while increasing the total stored current to 300 mA. This combination increases the risk of damage to elements in the accelerator when the beam is lost in a controlled or uncontrolled manner. We simulate the electron beam particle loss distribution for the most recent ALBA-II lattice design with errors and corrections, and use these results to estimate the heat load to which the vacuum beam pipe would be exposed. Results are compared to FLUKA simulations. Initial considerations on beam scrapers and beam abort systems are presented and discussed.