Luminosity levelling techniques for the LHC

Abstract

We present the possibilities for doing luminosity levelling at the LHC. We explore the merits and drawbacks of each option and briefly discuss the operational implications. The simplest option is levelling with an offset between the two beams. Crab cavities may also be used for levelling, as may a squeezing of the beam. There is also the possibility of using the crossing angle in order to do luminosity levelling. All of these options are explored, for the LHC and other possible new projects, together with their benefits and drawbacks.