Quantum Gas jet Scanner (QuantumJET)

Lead Research Organisation: University of Liverpool
Department Name: Physics

Abstract

This application seeks funding from STFC to support the development of a quantum gas jet-based beam scanner/target. QuantumJET will produce micrometer-focused beams of atoms and molecules for non-invasive, high resolution beam monitoring applications, as well for use as targets in storage rings.

As a beam monitor, this novel device will benefit essentially any high intensity, high energy accelerator where commonly used beam monitors no longer work, including high power accelerators such as the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) or Accelerator Driven Systems (ADS) . It will also mark a breakthrough for accelerators that rely on very small cross sections that cannot be resolved with curtain-shaped gas jets, such as linear colliders. More widely, the technology will be very attractive for any accelerator or light source that would benefit from non-destructive online beam monitoring, including medical accelerators and ion implanters.

As a versatile gas target, a well-defined jet provides an ideal basis for studies into total and fully differential cross sections in beam lines and storage rings. Of particular interest is the integration in low energy antiproton rings such as the AD and ELENA at CERN, as keV antiprotons give insight into correlation process on the attosecond timescale, thus paving the way for a detailed understanding of fundamental physics concepts. Moreover, well-controlled, high-density gas beams may also find use as confined plasma sources for electron accelerators , plasma beam dumps or "refractive" kickers for extremely rigid electron beams .

Underpinning R&D was carried out in the QUASAR Group, based at the Cockcroft Institute (CI) on the campus of Daresbury Laboratory. The Group is very well connected with the global accelerator community and has been a recognized leader in beam diagnostic R&D for more than a decade. Previous work was supported by the HL-LHC-UK project, funded by STFC and CERN, and the Cockcroft Institute core grant ST/G008248/1. It was done in close collaboration with D-Beam Ltd, an STFC CERN Business Incubation Centre alumnus.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description Development of quantum gas jet beam profile monitor for sub-mm beams 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Pupils attended this Poster presentation as a part of "LINAC 2022" held at Liverpool on 28th August-02nd September 2022. This presentation led to discussion afterwards with the audience regarding the advantages of non-invasive diagnostics and how to improve the gas jet technology for high power accelerators. The idea of a wire scanner based on gas jet technology was the major highlight of this poster presentation.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://linac2022.org/
 
Description Medical Instrumentation 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact About 50 Pupils attended this talk as a part of "Cockcroft Institute Science advisory committee (SAC) meeting" held at Cockcroft Institute on 09th-12th October 2022. This talk led to discussion afterwards with audience, followed by a Laboratory tour for our research activities in diagnostics development. Our work was appreciated by the committee members and work was recognized as highly innovative and world class work with new progress achieved in improving the performances and downsizing the gas jets and quantum gas jets (Fresnel Zone Plate) for application in hadron therapy (proton and carbon) beamlines in collaboration with industrial partners as D-beams or IBA, Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and academia such as Univ. of Birmingham.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022