This contribution summarizes the method ATLAS intends to
exploit to determine the LHC machine luminosity. The measurement is
performed during dedicated runs, where elastically scattered protons
are detected at very small angles, and the luminosity is extracted
from the theoretically well known Coulomb cross-section. The same data
are used to normalize a luminosity monitor, which then provides the
instant luminosity during normal physics running. The physics method
is described, as well as the experimental devices and the expected performance. |
