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.
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.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Carsten Welsch (Principal Investigator) | |
| Narender Kumar (Researcher) |
Publications
Narender (Kumar And NK)
(2023)
Development and testing of quantum gas jet beam profile scanner
| Description | Initial results in our labs are promising, however, a detailed characterization of the resulting gas jet and its density is still outstanding and subject to further studies. This said, we have identified exciting additional opportunities for applying this novel technology in the form of a quantum Helium Atom Microscope. A proof-of-concept study was supported by Innovate-UK. We are planning further studies in this regard. |
| Exploitation Route | Both the pencil beam scanner and quantum Helium Atom Microscope show good promise for a range of applications and will be pursued through future grant applications. |
| Sectors | Education Electronics Healthcare |
| 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 |
| Description | Quantum Helium Atom Microscope |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | 1,300 delegates who joined at the UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase 2023 in London and online, to get a glimpse of some of the 80 exhibitors who filled the show floor, and to hear from some of the inspiring leaders from this emerging industry. We presented our work on Quantum Helium Atom microscope which is based on our project on Quantum gas jet scanner. We had conversation with many delegates from acdemics and industries. We had the opportunity to share our work with a UK and global audience and the project attracted a high level of interest from potential collaborators. The QUASAR Group at the University of Liverpool is committed to playing a leading role in the development of its quantum Helium Atom Microscope (qHAM). The Group is continuing to invest in qHAM's technology development by applying for UK and European research and development funding and seeking partnerships with companies that are interested in developing and testing the microscope system in their own application environments. The QUASAR Group is interested in collaborating further in joint R&D to enhance and improve the microscope's capabilities particularly in the application areas of bio-medical, material science and biochemistry and is open to collaboration in other areas as well. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |