Electron cloud detection and characterization in the CERN Proton Synchrotron

We describe a dedicated electron cloud experiment which was installed in the CERN Proton Synchrotron in 2007. The setup comprises shielded button-type pickups, a fast vacuum logging, a dipole magnet, and a stripline electrode to experimentally verify the beneficial effect of electron cloud clearing. The electron cloud effect was observed within the last milliseconds before ejection of the nominal LHC proton beam consisting of 72 bunches with 25 ns spacing. Measurements of electron flux at the wall and vacuum pressure are presented for a set of magnetic fields and bias voltages on the clearing electrode, showing that efficient electron cloud suppression can be obtained for appropriate clearing voltages but revealing an unexpectedly complex dependence on magnetic field and voltage.