Use Cases
Long-range submicron position tracking
in large-scale scientific infrastructures
Summary
Large-scale scientific infrastructure such as particle accelerators, synchrotrons, and gravitational wave detectors require extreme mechanical stability over long distances and extended timeframes. Ground motion, thermal variation, and structural drift—even on the order of microns or sub-microns—can critically impact beam alignment, injection efficiency, and experimental resolution.
Major particle accelerators are continuously monitored using integrated metrology systems to ensure structural precision and stability. FOGALE Sensors plays a key role in this domain, providing non-contact capacitive WPS and HLS systems to monitor absolute displacement, tilt, and deformation with unparalleled resolution.
The challenge
Tracking small displacements across large distances in dynamic, high-energy environments
- Required resolution below 1 µm over tens of meters
- Thermal and mechanical drift affecting critical alignment
- Limited access and constrained installation geometry
- Need for continuous, real-time data acquisition and stability
Application Examples
- Beamline alignment monitoring in synchrotrons and colliders
- Long-range deformation tracking in large scientific infrastructures
- Continuous control of magnet or girder displacement
- Reference frame stability validation over time
The solution
Fogale’s Wire Positioning System (WPS) and Hydrostatic Levelling System (HLS) offer complementary, high-resolution tracking solutions.
Hydrostatic Levelling Systems (HLS):
- Capacitive non-contact sensors immersed in liquid reservoirs, capable of measuring vertical displacement down to sub-micron accuracy (σ < 1 µm).
- Designed in half-filled or full-filled configurations, with optimization of pipe materials to minimize thermal effects (tested with stainless steel, polyethylene, and polycarbonate).
- Long-term stability and low maintenance (1-year cycle), validated in various topologies including monolithic structures and moveable segmented arrays (e.g. at SPring-8).
- Used in over 300-meter-long networks, equipped with ceramic electrode technology to resist contamination and signal drift.
Wire Positioning Systems (WPS):
- Provide 3D absolute displacement measurements via capacitive sensors and taut wire systems.
- Monitor girder-to-girder position, magnet tilt (θX, θS), and long-term drift with micron resolution.
- Systems are scalable and used to align critical components in synchrotrons or storage rings.
- Integration with rack-based electronics and acquisition software for real-time deformation monitoring.
Key Advantages
Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
Submicron resolution over long distances | Ensures precise alignment of critical beamline elements |
Complementary technologies (WPS + HLS) | Horizontal and vertical displacement tracking |
Stable over time and temperature | Reliable operation in dynamic infrastructures |
Compact and easy to integrate | Minimal intrusion in crowded scientific setups |
Proven in major accelerators | Trusted by leading physics research centers worldwide |
The results
Fogale’s position tracking systems are installed in multiple international accelerator projects and have demonstrated exceptional stability and reliability. With their modularity and precision, WPS and HLS are the reference technologies for ensuring alignment and structural consistency in high-performance physics environments