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DOE OSTI2025

Digital twin framework for PIP-II linac: AI-driven multi-scale modeling from ion source to 800 MeV

The PIP-II superconducting linac at Fermilab is designed to deliver multi-megawatt proton beams for neutrino physics and other high-intensity applications. To expedite commissioning and enhance operational reliability, we have developed an EPICS-based data flow framework that seamlessly integrates digital twins (DT) with physical twins (PT). These digital twins comprise high-fidelity beam dynamics models or data-driven surrogate models connected to their physical counterparts through real-time diagnostics and advanced machine-learning algorithms.Central to this framework is Linac_Gen, an accelerated simulation tool that incorporates convolutional neural networks, random forests, and genetic algorithms to provide up to a tenfold speedup in optimizing the accelerator geometry model. An EPICS translator layer ensures interoperability by efficiently mapping lattice parameters across diverse simulation platforms.Our EPICS-based framework supports multiple operational modes—monitoring, passive learning, closed-loop control, and online learning—covering the entire machine lifecycle. By leveraging HPC resources and multi-objective optimization techniques, the digital twin enables adaptive trajectory correction, real-time fault detection, and predictive modeling of beam stability. This comprehensive approach paves the way for robust, high-intensity operation and data-driven accelerator R&D at Fermilab.

Pathak, Abhishek [Fermilab]↗

DOE OSTI2026

Experimental longitudinal emittance manipulation using laser-based photoionization in the Fermilab Linac

A series of simulations and beam studies were conducted at Fermilab’s linear accelerator to evaluate the effectiveness of longitudinal emittance control via laser-induced photoionization. While similar laser techniques have been employed at Fermilab to enhance injection and extraction efficiency into the Booster, the work presented here focuses on extending these methods to bunch-by-bunch manipulation. This approach utilizes fine-scale correction of the H- bunches’ longitudinal spatial distribution. In theory, loosely confined particles in longitudinal phase space contribute to emittance growth during acceleration. By selectively removing these outlying particles through laser scraping (H- + γ → H + e-), this growth can be reduced. This report presents experimental results from both symmetric and asymmetric longitudinal scraping of H⁻ bunches in the Fermilab linac, which were subsequently injected into Booster, and evaluates the broader applicability of this method for future high-intensity accelerator operations.

Landon, Parker [Boston U.; Fermilab]↗

DOE OSTI2024

LINAC Longitudinal Simulation and Measurement of Output Energy

The Linac at Fermilab, one of the oldest accelerators on-site, plays a crucial role in delivering 400 MeV proton beams to other accelerating facilities. The beam traveling through Linac needs to be carefully monitored for better accelerator operation. One of the key factors of efficient Linac operation is its longitudinal stability. The stability can minimize Linac loss and maximize beam current. For this purpose, I examined the beam's longitudinal profile, which is crucial for proper beam transfer between its two sections. After careful monitoring of the beam through Linac, we need to ensure that it leaves with desired parameters. The beam coming out from the Linac is subsequently injected into the Booster, a synchrotron that relies on dipole magnets to bend the beam at injection. If the output energy of the beam deviates from the expected value, the beam will bend at an incorrect radius, leading to potential beam loss. Therefore, precise regulation of the output energy is critical for the efficient operation of the accelerator. To address this, I have conducted a thorough examination of the Linac longitudinal simulations and data from Beam Position Monitors (BPMs). My objective is to measure and stabilize the output energy and verify its correspondence with the predicted simulation results. All these analyses are important for efficient operation of the accelerator.

Safaryan, Milena↗

DOE OSTI2024

Beam loss mechanisms in the PIP-II linac and beam transfer line at Fermilab

Beam loss in high-intensity H- linacs, such as the PIP-II linac at Fermilab, is a critical challenge that requires comprehensive study and understanding to ensure efficient and safe operation. This study explores the various beam loss mechanisms encountered in the PIP-II linac and its beam transfer line, drawing parallels from other high-intensity H- linacs. Key loss mechanisms include residual gas stripping, where H- ions interact with residual gas molecules leading to electron detachment; field stripping, caused by the interaction of H- ions with magnetic fields; and intra-beam stripping, resulting from interactions within the beam itself. Beam halo formation, particularly due to Twiss function mismatch, is another significant source of beam loss, which can be exacerbated by Landau damping mechanisms. Adhering to the 1 W/m loss criterion is essential to maintain hands-on maintenance capability and ensure the longevity of the accelerator components. By understanding these mechanisms and implementing targeted mitigation strategies, the PIP-II linac can achieve its design goals while maintaining safe and efficient operations.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2025

Data-driven gradient optimization for field emission management in a superconducting radio-frequency linac

Field emission can cause significant problems in superconducting radio-frequency linear accelerators (linacs). When cavity gradients are pushed higher, radiation levels within the linacs may rise exponentially, causing degradation of many nearby systems. This research aims to utilize machine learning with uncertainty quantification to predict radiation levels at multiple locations throughout the linacs and ultimately optimize cavity gradients to reduce field emission-induced radiation while maintaining the total linac energy gain necessary for the experimental physics program. The optimized solutions show over 40% reductions for both neutron and gamma radiation from the standard operational settings. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2026

Optics reconstruction in the SCL section of the FNAL Linac

The Side-Coupled Linac (SCL) section of the FNAL linac accelerates the beam from 116 MeV to 401.5 MeV, operating at 22-24 mA beam current. Transverse focusing is performed by 32 quadrupoles, and the beam orbit is guided by 19 dipole correctors and measured by 29 BPMs. The bunch length is measured in a single location by a Bunch Shape Monitor (BSM). This paper presents a three-step reconstruction of the machine optics. First, the transverse and longitudinal Twiss parameters at the start of the SCL section are determined using quadrupole scans and BSM measurements at different settings of an upstream cavity. Second, the quadrupole calibrations are adjusted based on differential-trajectory measurements. Finally, the beam is propagated along the SCL linac using the code TraceWin. A comparison between TraceWin simulations and the beam envelope measured by the 12 wire scanners of the SCL linac was performed. Transverse and longitudinal beam parameters at the entrance and exit of the SCL section will be reported.

Carneiro, Jean-Paul [Fermilab]↗

DOE OSTI2025

Experience of developing highly reliable Tuner components (piezo actuators and cold stepper motor actuators) for SRF Linac

The resonance control team at FNAL has led the design of the LCLS-II SRF Linac SRF cavity tuner subsystem. The Linac is expected to operate for over 30 years, and the longevity of the tuner is crucial to the overall reliability of the Linac. When the tuner's design was started, there were no active actuators (stepper and piezo) that could meet the longevity requirements of the Linac. The FNAL resonance control team, in collaboration with industrial partners (Phytron and PI), has developed actuators that have been shown to withstand a cryogenic and insulating vacuum environment for over 100 years in accelerated lifetime tests. Details of actuators design and longevity testing will be presented. Now, practically all (small and large) SRF systems that are under construction around the world are using actuators developed at FNAL. A review of possible actuators improvement will be presented.

Pischalnikov, Yuriy [Fermilab]↗

DOE OSTI2025

Beam Optics Measurements at the Fermilab Linac

The Fermilab Linac delivers 400 MeV H- beam to the rest of the accelerator complex. The Linac will be replaced by a SRF Linac that doubles the output energy as part of the Proton Improvement Plan-II (PIP-II) project. For successful PIP-II commissioning and operation, a comprehensive suite of longitudinal and transverse measurements are planned to fully characterize the beam dynamics. In the 400 MeV Linac, we used prototype programs to demonstrate the viability of these workflows. Here we present the results of these measurements of longitudinal and transverse optics.

Chen, Erin [Fermilab]↗

DOE OSTI2025

Compact X-band split electron linac for cabinet-size small-sample irradiators

Many small-scale industrial radiation facilities rely on hazardous radioisotope-based gamma ray irradiators, which are being gradually replaced by alternative technologies, such as particle accelerators. RadiaBeam has developed a compact, cabinet-size, 3 MeV electron-linac-based irradiator to match the penetration of Co-60 and provide high irradiation throughput. Here the linac utilizes X-band RF power to reduce size, employs an innovative split-linac approach to lower costs, and features a novel X-ray conversion target geometry that spreads the beam out across the target, providing a low dose uniformity ratio. In this paper, we discuss the accelerator design, fabrication, and test results.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2026

Design of a non-invasive laser-based beam profile monitor system for the new Fermilab PIP-II superconducting H- linac

As part of the new Proton Improvement Plan (PIP-II), Fermilab is undertaking the development of a new 800 MeV, 2 mA H- superconducting RF linac to replace its present normal conducting 400 MeV linac. The PIP-II linac consists of a series of superconducting RF cryomodules from 2.1 MeV to 800 MeV. To limit the potential damage to the superconducting RF cavities, PIP-II will utilize non-invasive laser-based monitors (laserwires) to obtain beam profiles via photoionization. This paper will present the design of this PIP-II laserwire system including the picosecond pulsed laser, optical transport line, 13 individual laserwire stations, laser feedback and timing controls. The paper also describes the signal detection system and operation of the profile measurements.

Scarpine, Victor [Fermilab]↗

DOE OSTI2026

Measurements of the beam longitudinal properties in the Fermilab Linac

The Fermilab Linac delivers 400$\,$MeV, 25$\,$mA H$^-$ beam to a rapid cycling synchrotron called the Booster. Parameters of the Linac beam affect Booster performance and therefore quantifying them is important. The longitudinal bunch parameters are reconstructed using a Bunch Shape Monitor (BSM) installed in the middle of the Linac. For that, the bunch length is measured as a function of the phase of an upstream cavity and fitted to simulations. The cavity gradient and its phase with respect to the beam are recovered from readings of Beam Position Monitors. Since the cavity provides a significant transverse defocusing, the BSM measurements are correlated with transverse beam size measurements by a wire scanner. Simulations connect these three types of measurements, allowing to deduce the longitudinal emittance and Courant-Snyder parameters.

Sharankova, Ralitsa [Fermilab] (ORCID:000000027014↗

DOE OSTI2024

Emittance Measurements with Wire Scanners in the Fermilab Side-Coupled Linac

The Fermilab Side-Coupled Linac accelerates H- beam from 116 MeV to 400 MeV through seven 805 MHz modules. Twelve wire scanners are present in the Side Coupled Linac and four are present in the transfer line between the Linac and the Booster synchrotron ring. These wire scanners act as important diagnostic instru-ments to directly collect information on the beam s transverse distribution. The manipulation of the condi-tions of wire scanner data collection enables further characterization of the beamline, such as calculating emittance and the Twiss parameters of the beam at select regions. Here we present the results of these studies and characterization of the non-Gaussian transverse beam distribution observed.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2025

Design of a Non-Invasive Laser-based Beam Profile Monitor System for the New Fermilab PIP-II Superconducting H- Linac

Scarpine, V. [Fermilab]↗

DOE OSTI2025

Optics Reconstruction in the SCL Section of the FNAL Linac

The Side-CoupledLinac (SCL) section oftheFNAL linac acceleratesthe beamfrom 117 MeV to 401.5 MeV, operatingat 22-24mA beam current. Transverse focusing is performedby32 quadrupoles, and the beam orbit is guidedby19dipolecorrectors andmeasuredby29 BPMs. The bunch length is measured in a single location by a Bunch Shape Monitor (BSM). This paper presents a three-step reconstruction of the machine optics. First, the transverse and longitudinal Twiss parameters at the start of the SCL section are determined using quadrupole scans and BSM measurements at different settings o fan upstream cavity. Second, the quadrupole calibrations are adjusted based on differential-trajectory measurements. Finally, the beam is propagated along the SCL linac using the code Trace Win. A comparison between Trace Win simulations and the beam envelope measured bythe12wirescanners of the SCL linac was performed. Transverse and longitudinal beam parameters at the entrance of the transition section will be reported

Carneiro, Jean-Paul [Fermilab]↗

DOE OSTI2024

Emittance Measurements with Wire Scanners in the Fermilab Side-coupled Linac

The Fermilab Side-Coupled Linac accelerates H-beam from 116 MeV to 400 MeV through seven 805 MHz modules. Twelve wire scanners are present in the Side Coupled Linac and four are present in the transfer line between the Linac and the Booster synchrotron ring. These wire scanners act as important diagnostic instruments to directly collect information on the beam's transverse distribution. The manipulation of the conditions of wire scanner data collection enables further characterization of the beamline, such as calculating emittance and the Twiss parameters of the beam at select regions, which we present here.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2025

LLRF System Analysis for the Fermilab PIP-II Superconducting LINAC

PIP-II is a superconducting linac that is in the initial acceleration chain for the Fermilab accelerator complex. The RF system consists of a warm front-end with an RFQ and buncher cavities along with 25 superconducting cryo-modules comprised of cavities with five different acceleration $β$. The LLRF system for the linac has to provide field and resonance control for a total of 125 RF cavities. Various components of the LLRF system have been tested with and without beam at the PIP-II test stands. The LLRF system design is derived from the LCLS-II project with its self-excited loop architecture used in the majority of the cryo-modules. The PIP-II beam loading at 2 mA is much higher than the LCLS-II linac. The control system architecture is analyzed and evaluated for the operational limits of feedback gains and their ability to meet the project regulation requirements for cavity field amplitude and phase regulation.

Varghese, P. [Fermilab] (ORCID:0009000925131983)↗

DOE OSTI2025

Simulation study of high-current 7 Li 3+ beam acceleration with laser ion source and RFQ linac using direct plasma injection

Accelerator-based neutron sources (ABNS) utilizing the 7 Li(p,n) 7 Be reaction in inverse kinematics offer strong forward-directed neutron emission, making them attractive for compact and clean neutron source with low background neutrons and unwanted radiation. However, practical use of such systems requires lithium ion beam currents that exceed the capability of conventional ion accelerators by two orders of magnitude. In this study, we numerically designed and evaluated a high-current acceleration system based on a direct plasma injection scheme (DPIS), combining a laser ion source (LIS) and a radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) linac. The ion extraction optics and RFQ entrance were optimized using IGUN, OPERA, and GPT, demonstrating that over 1.2 A-class beam current can be injected into the RFQ. The RFQ structure was designed under realistic engineering constraints including surface field strength (Kilpatrick factor) and RF power. GPT simulations showed that a 370 mA 7 Li 3+ beam can be successfully accelerated within a ±10 % energy spread. To validate downstream compatibility, we also designed a simplified medium-energy beam transport (MEBT) section and an interdigital H-type (IH) linac, confirming successful acceleration of a 320 mA beam to the total energy of 14 MeV. These results support the feasibility of the DPIS and RFQ approach as a promising solution for compact neutron sources and other high-intensity ion beam applications.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2026

Transverse BBU Suppression with Feedback for Energy-Recovery Linacs

The Electron–Ion Collider (EIC) achieves its design luminosity by cooling the ion beam with a high-current electron beam generated in an energy-recovery linac (ERL). The baseline ERL lattice employs a BNL five-cell cavity that is frequency-scaled to 197 MHz, 591 MHz, and 1.773 GHz, raising concerns about multibunch beam-breakup (BBU) instabilities. Threshold currents for each frequency option are established with two independent BBU tracking codes, providing cross-validated operating margins that guide cavity selection. To further increase the current limit, we incorporate a digital transverse feedback (FB) system that targets the dominant higher-order modes (HOMs). Simulations show the FB raises the BBU threshold by roughly an order of magnitude: power-spectral-density analysis of the beam centroid at the linac exit confirms strong suppression of the aliased HOM peak, although some spectral growth appears at secondary frequencies. This combined study quantifies baseline BBU limits, demonstrates effective active mitigation, and charts a practical path toward robust, high-current operation of the EIC ERL.

Accelerator Physics↗