We recently introduced a novel interferometric method inspired by radio astronomy, utilizing a Non-Redundant Aperture (NRA) mask with self-calibration to fully characterize the two dimensional transverse shape of electron beams from a single-shot interferogram. This paper reports the latest advancements in this technique, including a new data analysis approach based on closure amplitudes, which removes the need for self-calibration. We also demonstrate the method’s applicability to wavefront sensing, and we explore its potential for resolving beam halos superimposed on well-defined Gaussian beam core.

Transverse beam diagnostics with standard imaging techniques represent a challenge for next-generation accelerators and colliders due to the extremely small beam sizes, and X-ray interferometry offers an interesting method to overcome this challenge. In this regard, the X-ray Heterodyne Near Field Speckles (X-HNFS) technique has successfully been used to resolve few-micrometer beam sizes and at the same time attain a full 2D beam reconstruction. The method relies on diffracting the emitted X-ray radiation off a water suspension of spherical nanoparticles, which however pose several limitations for the full exploitation of the technique during normal operations. In this contribution we report on recent advances in the development of solid targets based on nanostructured materials with characteristics compatible with accelerator requirements. We present preliminary numerical and experimental results on the target design, prototyping and testing. Emphasis is given to the application as a transverse beam size monitor in the framework of the Feasibility Study of the Future Circular Collider (FCC) at CERN.

In the context of building the next generation of synchrotron light sources, significant effort has been directed towards developing BPM buttons. The design of these components needs to consider several factors related to the miniaturization of the beam pipe and the broadening of the beam spectrum, while still guaranteeing high resolution for commissioning and feedback purposes. A workshop was held in December 2024 at ALBA light source organized in collaboration with DESY, aiming to bring together experts from various light sources to share their experiences on the different stages of the deployment process, from simulation to manufacturing and characterization. This presentation reviews the key topics presented at the workshop.

As part of the ongoing ALBA II upgrade, which aims to significantly enhance the performance of the ALBA Synchrotron Light Source, a new design for button Beam Position Monitors (BPMs) is under investigation. In this contribution, we present the results of a characterization study conducted on button prototypes supplied by two different manufacturers. Furthermore, we introduce the preliminary design of an alternative button BPM intended for direct welding to the copper vacuum chamber of the upgraded machine.