Lessons Learned From the Prototypes of the MQXFA Low-Beta Quadrupoles for HL-LHC and Status of Production in the US

Abstract

With the successful test of the first two pre-series magnets the US HL-LHC Accelerator Upgrade Project has started production of the MQXFA magnets to be used in Q1/Q3 inner triplet elements of the HL-LHC. This good start comes after the test of two prototypes with limited performance, and it demonstrates the importance of learning from past issues. Therefore, in this paper we want to share the most important lessons learned so far, focusing on those which may be more interesting for similar projects. We will also present the status of MQXFA fabrication in the US.