Modelling LhARA, the Laser-hybrid Accelerator for Radiobiological Applications

LhARA is a proposed state-of-the-art particle accelerator that will enable a broad and comprehensive program of radiobiology studies. Using novel acceleration and beam capture technologies, LhARA will generate short, high intensity pulses of protons and ions that will be delivered to a number of radiobiology end stations. To understand the performance of the accelerator, start-to-end simulations are conducted, combining accelerator physics tracking, high energy particle-matter interactions, and dosimetry. The complexity of the accelerator means the performance of many of the machine's constituent systems are inter-related and must be modelled holistically. This project will encompass an investigation of the design of the LhARA accelerator. As an active member of the LhARA collaboration, the student will explore LhARA's design performance and demonstrate the feasibility of one of the most technologically advanced accelerators of today.