Improved Simulation Tools for Optimizing Structure-Based Beam Acceleration and Manipulation
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Cook, Nathan↗
SEARCH · Search NASA
Results for “Accelerators & Beams”
Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Redis-Based Streaming Architecture for Accelerator Beam Instrumentation DAQ Systems
The Fermilab Acceleraor Division, Beam Instrumentation Department, is always adopting modern and current software methodologies for complex DAQ architectures. This paper highlights the Redis Adapter (RA) as the key software component enabling high performance, modular communication between digitizers and distributed control systems by leveraging Redis and containerization. The RA provides a unified, efficient interface between Redis based data streams and consumer systems. In the legacy architecture, digitized data flowed through the custom, UDP based Distributed Data Communication Protocol in the middle layer. In the current system, DDCP remains the ingestion path, while the RA serves as the decoupling layer. The proposed system replaces old VME digitizers with a SOM-based digitizer that communicates with Redis using the RA. The RA acts as both a performance-critical bridge and a protocol-agnostic adapter, ensuring compatibility with legacy control frameworks while enabling future scalability and modularity. This restructuring of the middle layer also helps the system achieve high throughput, reduce latency, and simplify the data path. Finally, we will demonstrate how RA is utilized in our two core products to deliver both legacy compatibility and future flexibility.
Joshi, S. [Fermilab]↗
The new physics case for beam-dump experiments with accelerated muon beams
As the field examines a future muon collider as a possible successor to the LHC, we must consider how to fully utilize not only the high-energy particle collisions, but also any lower-energy staging facilities necessary in the R&D process. An economical and efficient possibility is to use the accelerated muon beam from either the full experiment or from cooling and acceleration tests in beam-dump experiments. Beam-dump experiments are complementary to the main collider as they achieve sensitivity to very small couplings with minimal instrumentation. We demonstrate the utility of muon beam-dump experiments for new physics searches at energies from 10 GeV to 5 TeV. We find that, even at low energies like those accessible at staging or demonstrator facilities, it is possible to probe new regions of parameter space for a variety of generic BSM models, including muonphilic, leptophilic, L μ − L τ , and dark photon scenarios. Such experiments could therefore provide opportunities for discovery of new physics well before the completion of the full multi-TeV collider.
72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
Revealing the three-dimensional structure of microbunched plasma-wakefield-accelerated electron beams
Abstract Plasma wakefield accelerators use tabletop equipment to produce relativistic femtosecond electron bunches. Optical and X-ray diagnostics have established that their charge concentrates within a micrometre-sized volume, but its sub-micrometre internal distribution, which critically influences gain in free-electron lasers or particle yield in colliders, has proven elusive to characterize. Here, by simultaneously imaging different wavelengths of coherent optical transition radiation that a laser-wakefield-accelerated electron bunch generates when exiting a metal foil, we reveal the structure of the coherently radiating component of bunch charge. The key features of the images are shown to uniquely correlate with how plasma electrons injected into the wake: by a plasma-density discontinuity, by ionizing high- Z gas-target dopants or by uncontrolled laser–plasma dynamics. With additional input from the electron spectra, spatially averaged coherent optical transition radiation spectra and particle-in-cell simulations, we reconstruct coherent three-dimensional charge structures. The results demonstrate an essential metrology for next-generation compact X-ray free-electron lasers driven by plasma-based accelerators.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
Experimental demonstration of accelerating a beam with a large transverse emittance ratio in the relativistic heavy ion collider for the electron-ion collider
The electron-ion collider (EIC), to be constructed at Brookhaven National Laboratory, will collide polarized high-energy electron beams with hadron beams, achieving luminosities of up to 1.0 × 10 34 cm −2 s −1 in the center-of-mass energy range of 20–140 GeV. To reach such high luminosity, the EIC will employ small, flat beams at the interaction point. According to the design of the EIC hadron storage ring (HSR), hadron beams with a large transverse emittance ratio of 11:1 will be generated at the injection energy using an electron cooling technique and then accelerated to high energies for collisions. Accelerating hadron beams with such a large emittance ratio had never been demonstrated elsewhere—until our recent beam experiment at the relativistic heavy ion collider (RHIC). In this experiment, we successfully generated a large transverse emittance ratio of 13:1 with a gold-ion beam at 31 GeV/nucleon using stochastic cooling. We then accelerated this beam, with a transverse emittance ratio of 11:1, from 31 to 100 GeV/nucleon. Thanks to RHIC’s high-performance orbit, tune, and decoupling feedback systems, the large emittance ratio was well maintained throughout the 5-min-long acceleration process. This experiment fully validated the EIC/HSR design assumptions—namely, that large-emittance-ratio hadron beams can be generated at injection energy and then accelerated to high energies for collisions.
73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
Characterization of laser-accelerated proton beams from a 0.5 kJ sub-picosecond laser for radiography applications
Laser-accelerated ion beams show promise for many applications, including high-resolution flash imaging of static or dynamic objects in next-generation radiography to probe materials and plasmas in extreme environments and inertial confinement fusion. To scale up ion beam production for radiography applications, we conducted experiments using sub-picosecond lasers up to 0.5 kJ at the OMEGA-EP facility to characterize proton beams from solid targets, primarily CH/CD sub-micron thin films from which ion beams were also used for static and dynamic radiography for the first time. For standalone sub-micron thin CH films, the highest detected proton energy is in the range of 72–97 MeV. Proton beams with highest energy near or above 60 MeV at full laser energy and similar beam profiles are also measured from low-density CD foams and flat CH foil target of micrometer-scale thickness. The ~ 700–800 nm CH/CD foils achieve the highest ion yield among the targets tested. For sub-micron thin films, the laser prepulse can expand the target and lead to complex interactions, which is simulated using coupled hydrodynamic and two-step kinetic models. Simulations suggest the presence of a micrometer-scale preplasma plateau with near-critical density and further indicate that target normal sheath acceleration, electron heating from Relativistic transparency in the preplasma plateau, and background proton reflection from carbon ion front at the rear side contribute to the resulting proton spectrum from these sub-micron thin targets at various stages. These proton beams show strong potential for radiography and for production of secondary sources.
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
Manufacturing Full-Scale High Gradient Copper Accelerators: Electron Beam Welding and Allied Processes
This DOE ARDAP-funded study examines the technical and business feasibility of manufacturing high-gradient normal conducting RF (NCRF) copper accelerating structures using electron beam welding (EBW) instead of conventional high-temperature brazing. The core motivation is material performance: brazing softens copper significantly, while hard copper alloys have demonstrated ~75% higher operational gradients in SLAC tests, making cold-joining techniques highly attractive. EBW, applied to split-cell (half or quadrant) structure designs, preserves copper hardness away from the weld joint and simplifies machining — but industrial process optimization remains immature and a substantial learning curve is expected. The business case was modeled for two scenarios: a greenfield EBW linac company (> $10M upfront costs, viable above ~30 units/year) and an EBW division added to an existing accelerator firm to reduce risk and upfront costs, at the expense of being less optimal structure for the higher volume production. The study concludes that without a significant increase in demand, private investment alone cannot sustain this capability, and recommends federal support through R&D grants, procurement incentives, and CAPEX cost-sharing to incubate domestic EBW-NCRF manufacturing — with the existing-company model.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
SRF cavity instability detection with machine learning at CEBAF
During the operation of the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF), one or more unstable superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities often cause beam loss trips while the unstable cavities themselves do not necessarily trip off. The present RF controls for the legacy cavities report at only 1 Hz, which is too slow to detectfast transient instabilities during these trip events. These challenges make the identification of an unstable cavity out of the hundreds installed at CEBAF a difficult and time-consuming task. To tackle these issues, a fast data acquisition system (DAQ) for the legacy SRF cavities has been developed, which records the sample at 5 kHz. An unsupervised learning framework has been developed to identify anomalous SRF cavity behavior. We will discuss the present status of the DAQ system and our framework, along with recent successes in detecting anomalous cavity behavior. Overall, our method offers a practical solution for identifying unstable SRF cavities, contributing to increased beam availability and machine reliability.
Accelerator Physics↗
4D beam matrix reconstruction in particle accelerators
Transverse beam parameters in particle accelerators are commonly described using the Twiss parameters, which are experimentally accessible yet inherently limited because they neglect correlations between different transverse coordinates. Such correlations frequently arise from uncompensated cathode magnetic fields or misaligned focusing quadrupoles, affecting beam quality and accelerator performance. To address this limitation, we propose and validate a novel diagnostic method for the complete four-dimensional (4D) transverse beam matrix. Our method involves passing the beam through a beamline comprising both conventional and skew quadrupole magnets, followed by downstream measurements of the resulting two-dimensional (2D) beam profiles. These measurements represent distinct 2D projections of the underlying 4D transverse phase–space distribution. By systematically varying quadrupole strengths, multiple independent projections of the beam phase space are obtained. We reconstruct the original 4D beam matrix from these measured projections using an optimization-based least-square fit, providing fast and robust reconstruction regardless of the specific beamline configuration. Through extensive numerical simulations and realistic particle-tracking studies, we demonstrate the diagnostic’s accuracy, robustness, and capability to achieve reconstruction uncertainties smaller than measurement errors, particularly when employing sufficient numbers of quadrupole scans. This method presents a powerful and flexible approach for comprehensive beam characterization and accelerator tuning.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
Fast ion studies in the extended high-performance high β P plasma on EAST
Comprehending and optimizing fast ion behaviors is critical for the enhancement of performance in Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). This study explores the potential benefits of several factors that can improve the fast ion confinement. First, experiments show the change in the direction of the NBI2 from counter-I p to co-I p leads to a significant reduction in fast ion losses. TRANSP/NUBEAM simulation and tomography results based on fast-ion D-alpha measurements reveal that after the neutral beam injection (NBI) upgrade, the beam ion prompt loss is reduced by approximately 50%. Second, the upgraded ion cyclotron resonant frequency (ICRF) antenna at the N-port features twice the coupling resistance of the original antennas at EAST. This improved ICRF power coupling has enhanced the synergistic heating effect of NBI + ICRF, where the ICRF wave field accelerates beam ions at the harmonics. Experiments demonstrate that NBI + ICRF synergistic not only enhances plasma neutron yield and β P , but also accelerates beam ions to hundreds of keV. Further, the electron density and the neutral beam voltage have been optimized to reduce the fast ion slowing-down time and beam ion losses. Experimental and simulation results indicate that increasing the electron density reduces beam ion losses and enhances the bootstrap current fraction. While higher beam voltage results in a slight decrease in beam power absorption, it can increase the fraction of bootstrap current. With the understanding of these optimization of fast ion confinement, experiments have demonstrated fully non-inductive operation at high density (n e /n G ∼ 0.67, β P ∼ 3.1, β N ∼ 2.1, H 98,y2 ∼ 1.2) even without the support of co-I p beam NBI2. This investigation presents a potential regime to enhance fast ion confinement and extend performance in the high β P plasma for future experiments.
EAST tokamak↗
Manufacturing full-scale high gradient copper accelerators: Electron beam welding and allied processes
Abstract not provided.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
Design progress for the 22 GeV CEBAF energy upgrade
In this work we examine the progress made in the design of the proposed FFA upgrade to the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF). This proposed upgrade will double the number of passes through the two linacs by replacing the two highest energy arcs with new Fixed Field Alternating Gradient (FFA) arcs, roughly doubling the energy. These FFA arcs will use permanent magnets in a Halbach configuration to shape their fields. The design involves new optics for the linacs and remaining electromagnetic arcs, as well as new electromagnetic separators. These feed into the permanent magnet FFA arcs. We also report on ongoing studies of the dynamics of the beams, and an experiment to measure the effects of radiation on the permanent magnets.
Accelerator Physics↗
Status of permanent magnet radiation resiliency studies at CEBAF
An ongoing investigation for the future of Jefferson Lab’s Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) lies in upgrading its maximum nominal energy using Fixed-Field Alternating-gradient (FFA) technology for its recirculating arcs, using permanent magnets for the FFA arcs. A common concern among the community is the degradation of these permanent magnets during operation due to the radiation environment in which they will be present. This work, funded by a Laboratory Directed R&D grant, aims to measure the permanent magnet degradation in the CEBAF tunnel enclosure, and extrapolate to the energies expected from the upgrade. We present the latest results of this study, as well as plans moving forward.
Accelerator Physics↗
First measurement of neutron capture multiplicity in neutrino-oxygen neutral-current quasielasticlike interactions using an accelerator neutrino beam
We report the first measurement of neutron capture multiplicity in neutrino-oxygen neutral-current quasielasticlike interactions at the gadolinium-loaded Super-Kamiokande detector using the T2K neutrino beam, which has a peak energy of about 0.6 GeV. A total of 30 neutral-current quasielasticlike event candidates were selected from T2K data corresponding to an exposure of 1.76 × 10 20 protons on target. The 𝛾 ray signals resulting from neutron captures were identified using a neural network. The flux-averaged mean neutron capture multiplicity was measured to be 1.37 ± 0.33 (stat.)$^{+0.17}_{−0.27}$ (syst.), which is compatible within 2.3 sigma than predictions obtained using our nominal simulation. We discuss potential sources of systematic uncertainty in the prediction and demonstrate that a significant portion of this discrepancy arises from the modeling of hadron-nucleus interactions in the detector medium.
particle interactions↗
Positron Beam Loading and Acceleration in the Blowout Regime of a Plasma Wakefield Accelerator
Plasma wakefield acceleration in the nonlinear blowout regime has achieved marked milestones in electron beam acceleration, demonstrating high acceleration gradients and energy efficiency while preserving excellent beam quality. However, this regime is deemed unsuitable for achieving positron acceleration of comparable results, which is vital for future compact electron–positron colliders. In this article, we find that an intense positron beam loaded at the back of beam-driven blowout cavity can self-consistently induce the focusing field and flatten the longitudinal wakefield, leading to stable, high-efficiency, and high-quality positron acceleration. This is achieved through the formation of an on-axis electron filament induced by positron beam load, which shapes the plasma wakefield in a distinct way compared to electron beam load in the blowout regime. Via a nonlinear analytic model and numerical simulations, we explain the novel beam loading effects of the interaction between the on-axis filament and the blowout cavity. High-fidelity simulations show that a high-charge positron beam can be accelerated with >20% energy transfer efficiency, ~1% energy spread, and ~1 mm·mrad normalized emittance, while considerably depleting the energy of the drive beam. The concept can also be extended to simultaneous acceleration of electron and positron beams and high transformer ratio positron acceleration as well. This development offers a new route for the application of plasma wakefield acceleration into particle physics.
Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
Design and fabrication of a four-rod radio frequency quadrupole with a variable aperture
Radiofrequency quadrupole (RFQ) linear accelerators with variable aperture cell parameters offer an effective means of accelerating high-intensity ion beams exceeding 100 mA and have been implemented in various RFQ designs. However, in a four-rod RFQ, the use of dielectric perturbation methods to measure the voltage distribution behind the rod electrodes is not applicable when implementing variable aperture geometries, because changes in the rod shape influence the electric field at the location of the perturbation element. Therefore, it was necessary to design the rod profile for each cell such that the electric field distribution behind the rods remains unaffected by changes in the aperture. In this study, we present a method to adjust the voltage distribution by modifying the geometry of the rod electrodes according to each cell's aperture parameters. This design approach enables the integration of variable aperture cells into a four-rod RFQ linac, significantly enhancing the achievable beam current. To ensure uniform capacitance and maintain a constant rod-electrode voltage despite variations in the average aperture radius, we developed a systematic method for shaping the rod electrodes. This method was refined using two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) electromagnetic field simulations to optimize the electrode cross-sectional profiles. The fabricated rod electrodes were then installed in a four-rod RFQ, and the electric field distribution was measured using the perturbation method and tuned by adjusting the base plates. As a result, the measured variation of ±1.1 % confirms that this design methodology can produce a sufficiently uniform voltage distribution for high-current beam acceleration. These results demonstrate the practical feasibility of a variable-aperture four-rod RFQ linac.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
Current status of conceptual horizontal splitter design for FFA@CEBAF energy Upgrade
Jefferson Lab’s Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) is currently investigating the feasibility of upgrading its maximum operating energy using Fixed-Field Alternating-gradient (FFA) recirculating arcs to increase the total number of recirculations of the beam through the pair of LINACs. These FFA arcs will be composed of permanent magnets, with small Panofsky-style multipole correctors. In order to control the beam parameters through these FFA arcs, horizontal splitters must be used. The geometrical and physical constraints, as well as the beam matching requirements are very restrictive, complicating the design. This work will show the current status of the most mature design, which includes matching solutions, as well as options for extraction of the beam.
Accelerator Physics↗
PARTICULATE STUDY OF NEG PUMPS IRRADIATED IN THE CEBAF TUNNEL
Non-evaporable getter (NEG) pumps are being used to maintain ultra-high vacuum in the beamline of superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) accelerators, such as the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at Jefferson Lab. Because of the sensitivity of the performance of SRF cavities to particulate contamination, it is important to evaluate the integrity of the NEG material after exposure to high radiation during beam operation. The particulate from two NEG pumps based on ZAO® getter alloy was measured with a particle counter in a clean-room. The pumps were assembled onto a hermetically sealed setup which was placed in the CEBAF tunnel. The setup was exposed to 24 h beam operation for ~ 230 days. The total gamma-rays dose measured on the test setup was ~ 1.6 Mrad. The total neutron dose measured at ~ 75 cm of the test setup was ~ 11 krad. The particulate count from the two pumps was measured again in the clean-room after irradiation. Whereas an increase of particulate counts was measured, compared to before irradiation, subsequent measurements indicate the absence of systematically loose particulate. The pumping speed of one of the irradiated pumps was also measured to be consistent with that of a non-irradiated one, corroborating the absence of significant damage to the ZAO® NEG material due to irradiation.
Ciovati, G. [Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator↗