Possibilities for on-line detector connectivity checks in beam loss monitoring systems

Beam loss monitoring (BLM) is a method widely used for machine setup and tuning at particle accelerators, e.g. in physics research and medical applications. Additionally, the higher the energy and intensity of the particle beams, the more important the role of the BLM system in machine protection, which becomes critical for machines employing superconducting devices. A continuous and comprehensive surveillance of the entire BLM signal chain, in particular the functionality and connectivity of the detectors, is therefore essential. Nevertheless, no particle accelerator has this feature at present. This paper explores the options for implementing such a process for a new BLM system currently in development at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN).