U.S. Particle Accelerator School
Fundamentals of Accelerator Physics and Technology with Lab (undergraduate level) course
Sponsoring University:
Cornell University
Course:
Fundamentals of Accelerator Physics and Technology with Simulations and Measurements Lab (undergraduate level)
Instructors:
Yannis Papaphilippou, ESRF and Nuria Catalan-Lasheras, CERN
Purpose and Audience
The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction and an overview to the physics and technology of particle accelerators. This course is appropriate for last year physics undergraduate students or students from other fields with particular interest in accelerator physics and technology. The course is also intended to broaden the background of engineers and technicians working in fields related to accelerator technology. Practical hands-on sessions concentrate on magnetic field measurements, measurements on a rf-cavity and related computer simulations.
Prerequisites
Courses in College Physics and first year Calculus.
Objectives
Throughout the course, heavy mathematical derivations will be avoided. We will mostly concentrate in giving the basic relationships, definitions and concepts of particle beam dynamics and accelerator technology. On completion of this course, the students are expected to understand the fundamental principles of accelerator physics and design. The students will be also trained in using software tools for building basic accelerator models. They will finally have the opportunity to link the theoretical knowledge provided during the course lectures with measurement and analysis of experimental data.
Instructional Method
The course includes a series of lectures during the morning, followed by afternoon sessions including simulations and measurement laboratory, where the students will be introduced to computer simulations and hands-on exploration of magnets, radio-frequency cavities, particle beam instrumentation and measuring devices. Problem sets will be assigned and students are expected to work on them after scheduled class sessions. The instructors will be available at all times.
Course Content
An introduction will be given on the basic principles of electromagnetic theory, classical dynamics and relativity. The historical developments of accelerators will be reviewed, along with their application in research and industry. Particular emphasis will be given to the principles of particle beam optics, the basic machine lattice design features and its building blocks. The particle acceleration mechanism will be studied including the design of Radio Frequency systems. An overview will be provided on the physics of synchrotron radiation and multi-particle beam effects. Basic ideas will be given on the design of magnets, vacuum systems, beam diagnostics and measurements. Finally, examples of existing modern accelerators will be presented including their purpose and performance issues, as well as advanced concepts of accelerator development.
Reading Requirements
1. “An Introduction to the Physics of High Energy Accelerators”, Wiley & Sons Publishers (1993) by Donald A. Edwards and Michael J. Syphers
2. “An Introduction to Particle Accelerators”, Oxford University Press (2001) by E.J.N. Wilson.
3.(to be provided by the USPAS) “Particle Accelerator Physics I & II” by Helmut Wiedemann, (study edition) Springer-Verlag (2003).
Credit Requirements
Students will be evaluated based on performance as follows: final exam (20% of final grade), homework assignments ( 50% of final grade) computer/lab sessions ( 30% of final grade).