Advanced dielectric-structure based particle accelerators

Lead Research Organisation: University of Manchester
Department Name: Physics and Astronomy

Abstract

Beam-driven dielectric accelerators have the potential to accelerate particle beams at orders of magnitude higher gradients than current technology. This project involves understanding, both experimentally and using simulations, the beam dynamics of bunches within such a structure. Taking advantage of such dynamics, longitudinally and transversely, will allow beam manipulators to be developed such as dechirpers and streakers/kickers. Experimental work for this project will be conducted at the CLARA/VELA facility at Daresbury Laboratory.

Publications

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Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
ST/T506217/1 01/10/2019 30/09/2023
2326442 Studentship ST/T506217/1 01/10/2019 28/02/2023 Toby Overton
 
Description Investigating the behaviour of electron beams in dielectric structures, we have looked into a novel acceleration method, dielectric wakefield acceleration. Changing the properties of the beam (in particular the transverse width, with a more elliptically shaped beam), we have observed potential ways to mitigate for instabilities associated with this acceleration method. This could lead to feasible real applications of dielectric wakefield accelerators as an alternative to conventional accelerators. Simulation work has also shown methods to shape the beam in a way to improve the efficiency of acceleration compared to the loss of energy for the electron beam that drives the accelerating fields.
Exploitation Route Further work would be able to focus on the applicability of dielectric wakefield accelerators. By investigating the beam dynamics within dielectric structures in detail, the methods we have shown to improve stability and efficiency of acceleration can be shown to improve the distance over which beams can be accelerated, or not.
Sectors Other