Fundamentals of Accelerator Physics and Technology

Lecture Material

The course relies on contribution from past accelerator schools, in particular Helmut Wiedeman's original fundamentals course with hands-on labs, and on the more recent schools given by Michael Syphers, Linda Spentzouris and Sarah Cousineau

Prerequisites

Classical mechanics and electromagnetism at a junior undergraduate level is required. Knowledge of special relativity is recommended.

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that he or she meets the course prerequisites or has equivalent experience. Students may self-evaluate using these questions.

Objectives

Understand the basic principles of charged particle accelerators and beam acceleration systems. Gain hands-on experience with laboratory accelerator hardware.

This introductory course will focus on the fundamental principles of particle accelerators and beam dynamics. Fundamental physics and technologies of particle acceleration are explored, with emphasis on basic relationships, definitions, and applications found in the field of particle accelerators. On completion of this course, the students are expected to understand the basic workings of accelerators and their components. Furthermore, they will comprehend basic principles and definitions of beam dynamics and will be able to analyze experimental observations in terms of fundamental beam dynamics.

Instructional Method

Lectures will be given in the mornings followed by afternoon laboratory sessions. Laboratory modules will consist of computer simulation/modeling exercises and measurements with mock-ups of accelerator hardware, with some pairs of labs giving the opportunity of comparing simulations and measurements. The students will be required to write lab reports and will be graded on them. The evenings will be spent doing daily homework and writing lab reports. Instructors will be available to help answer questions about the homework and lectures during the evenings and the weekend.

Due to the number of student signed up for the session, the lab and homework sessions will be scheduled throughout afternoon and evening sessions.

Reading Requirements

Course reading materials and homework assignments will be supplied in electronic form. A hardbound copy of the textbook, Particle Accelerator Physics, Springer-Verlag, 4th ed. (2015) by Helmut Wiedemann, will be provided by the school during check-in. Refresher handouts on prerequisite topics will be available.

Grading Policy

Students will be evaluated based on performance: homework assignments (35% of final grade), laboratory reports (35% of final grade), final exam (30% of final grade).

Homework Problems

Each daily assignment contains 4 to 5 problems to be solved. Homework is due before 9:00 a.m the following day.

Lab/Computer Sessions

During the afternoons and evenings students have access to laboratory equipment and PCs for hands-on measurements and simulations. Worksheets will be provided with questions to be completed and turned in. Due to the number of students and limited amount of equipment, students will work in teams and rotate through each of the lab stations and computers according to the schedule in the "Laboratory Sessions" section. Each worksheet is expected to be turned in at the beginning of the next lab period. The final lab will be due Friday morning of the second week. The classroom will be open in the evenings for Hardware and Computer lab work.