For over 20 years, Maria Elena Angoletta and her team have been at the forefront of developing digital Low-Level RF (LLRF) systems, pioneering new ways of controlling the beams in circular machines. This is not merely a tale of technical innovation but a deeply human story of collaboration, passion, and resilience in the face of challenges.
The journey began in 2003, with CERN partnering with Brookhaven National Labs (BNL). At the time, CERN’s RF group lagged in digital technology, but the team dove into prototyping hardware, conducting beam tests, and training extensively. Their determination paid off, and in 2005, they deployed the first digital LLRF system in LEIR. This milestone marked the first use of such technology for circular machines at CERN. The system’s innovative design included powerful real-time digital signal processing capabilities and a modular architecture, based upon motherboards and daughtercards.
Combined with an innovative wide-band High-Level RF (HLRF), developed with Japanese KEK colleagues, the LLRF took over roles traditionally implemented in the HLRF, becoming the “brain” of the whole RF system. The initial scepticism about some of its cutting-edge features—such as the embedded generation of timings, reference functions and observation signals—soon turned into acceptance and then into a new standard for future developments.
This initial success paved the way for a broader vision of applying the modular and adaptable LLRF family to all small synchrotrons at CERN. These machines, with their high synchrotron frequencies and fast beam reactions, demanded precise and swift feedback loops. Digital solutions offered unmatched advantages, from repeatability and diagnostics to easier maintenance. The modular approach also supported a streamlined workflow across different facilities.
In 2009, a collaboration with MedAustron marked the genesis of the second-generation LLRF family. Building on lessons from LEIR, this iteration was more powerful and flexible, supporting new features like real-time data exchange between orbit and LLRF systems. It was deployed across CERN facilities, including the PSB, ELENA, and AD, as well as in MedAustron’s medical synchrotron.
Yet, this story isn’t just about hardware and firmware. It’s about people—the engineers, students, and collaborators who brought these systems to life. Long nights spent solving last-minute challenges, like testing new hardware until dawn to ensure the right operation of the accelerators. She recalls moments of camaraderie, celebrating successes with her team over snacks and drinks, and the bittersweet transitions as team members moved on.
This human element is the cornerstone of CERN’s success. The shared passion for pushing technological boundaries has helped overcome tight deadlines and resource constraints. It’s a spirit that has driven the team to adapt their systems for new applications, such as medical synchrotrons under CERN’s NIMMS initiative and advanced beam diagnostics.
If you want to learn more about Maria Elena’s legacy of innovation and teamwork read the full article HERE. Her story will hopefully inspire others to tackle challenges with creativity, resilience and determination, proving that even the most complex systems are built not just with technology, but with heart.