Argonne Wakefield Accelerator Facility Research Articles

Drive Bunch Train for the Dielectric Trojan Horse Experiment at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator

The recently demonstrated concept of the plasma photocathode, whereby a high-brightness bunch is initialized by laser ionization within a plasma wakefield acceleration bubble, is informally referred to as Trojan Horse wakefield acceleration. In a similar vein, the dielectric Trojan Horse concept incorporates a dielectric-lined waveguide to support a charged particle beam-driven accelerating mode and uses laser initiated ionization of neutral gas within the waveguide to generate a witness beam. One of the advantages of the dielectric Trojan Horse concept is the reduced requirements in terms of timing precision due to operation at a lower frequency. In this paper, we present experimental results on the generation and characterization of a four-bunch drive train for resonant excitation of wakefields in a cylindrical dielectric waveguide conducted at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator facility. The results lay the foundation for the demonstration of a plasma photocathode scheme within a dielectric wakefield accelerating structure. Modifications to improve capture efficiency with improved beam transmission are suggested as well.

Fabrication of THz corrugated wakefield structure and its high power test

We present overall process for developing terahertz (THz) corrugated structure and its beam-based measurement results. 0.2-THz corrugated structures were fabricated by die stamping method as the first step demonstration towards GW THz radiation source and GV/m THz wakefield accelerator. 150-upmum thick disks were produced from an OFHC (C10100) foil by stamping. Two types of disks were stacked alternately to form 46 mm structure with sim 170 corrugations. Custom assembly was designed to provide diffusion bonding with a high precision alignment of disks. The compliance of the fabricated structure have been verified through beam-based wakefield measurement at Argonne Wakefield Accelerator Facility. Both measured longitudinal and transverse wakefield showed good agreement with simulated wakefields. Measured peak gradients, 9.4 MV/m/nC for a long single bunch and 35.4 MV/m/nC for a four bunch trains, showed good agreement with the simulation.

Beam Diagnostics for Multi-Objective Bayesian Optimization at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator Facility

Beam Diagnostics for Multi-Objective Bayesian Optimization at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator Facility

FEbeam: Cavity and electron emission data conversion, processing, and analysis. A freeware toolkit for rf injectors.

FEbeam is an all-in-one field emission data processing interface with the capability to analyze the field emission cathode performance in an rf injector by extracting the field enhancement factor, local field, and effective emission area from the Fowler-Nordheim equations. It also has the capability of processing beam imaging micrographs using its sister software, FEpic. The current version of FEbeam was designed for the Argonne Cathode Test-stand of the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator facility switch yard. With slight modifications, FEbeam could work for many rf field emission injectors. This software is open-source and can be found at GitHub.

Single-shot measurement of transverse second moments using the projection method

We introduce a diagnostic for measuring the transverse phase space (TPS) and transverse second moments of a particle beam in a single shot. The diagnostic consists of a slit followed by a simple projection beam line to project the TPS onto an imaging screen. The beam line is composed of a skew quadrupole magnet followed by a normal quadrupole magnet with an imaging screen at the end. The skew quadrupole generates a coupling between the initial $x$ and the final $y$, while the normal quadrupole removes the correlation between the initial $x$ and the initial ${x}^{\ensuremath{'}}$. Thus, the initial $(x,{x}^{\ensuremath{'}})$ is mapped onto the final $(x,y)$. The slit is needed before the projection beam line to remove the initial $(y,{y}^{\ensuremath{'}})$ contribution from the final $(x,y)$ image on the screen. We present simulation studies and a demonstration of the diagnostic with an experiment performed at Argonne Wakefield Accelerator facility. We also discuss the method's limitations.

Development and high-power testing of an X -band dielectric-loaded power extractor

Dielectric loaded structures are promising candidates for use in the structure wakefield acceleration (SWFA) technique, for both the collinear wakefield and the two-beam acceleration (CWA and TBA respectively) approaches, due to their low fabrication cost, low rf losses, and the potential to withstand high gradient. A short pulse (<=20 ns) TBA program is under development at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator (AWA) facility where dielectric loaded structures are being used for both the power extractor/transfer structure (PETS) and the accelerator. In this study, an X-band 11.7 GHz dielectric PETS was developed and tested at the AWA facility to demonstrate high power wakefield generation. The PETS was driven by a train of eight electron bunches separated by 769.2 ps (9 times of the X-band rf period) in order to achieve coherent wakefield superposition. A total train charge of 360 nC was passed through the PETS structure to generate ~200 MW, ~3 ns flat-top rf pulses without rf breakdown. A future experiment is being planned to increase the generated rf power to approximately ~1 GW by optimizing the structure design and improving the drive beam quality.

Transition Radiation in Photonic Topological Crystals: Quasiresonant Excitation of Robust Edge States by a Moving Charge.

We demonstrate, theoretically and experimentally, that a traveling electric charge passing from one photonic crystal into another generates edge waves-electromagnetic modes with frequencies inside the common photonic band gap localized at the interface-via a process of transition edge-wave radiation (TER). A simple and intuitive expression for the TER spectral density is derived and then applied to a specific structure: two interfacing photonic topological insulators with opposite spin-Chern indices. We show that TER breaks the time-reversal symmetry and enables valley- and spin-polarized generation of topologically protected edge waves propagating in one or both directions along the interface. Experimental measurements at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator Facility are consistent with the excitation and localization of the edge waves. The concept of TER paves the way for novel particle accelerators and detectors.

Parallel general purpose multiobjective optimization framework with application to electron beam dynamics

Particle accelerators are invaluable tools for research in the basic and applied sciences, such as materials science, chemistry, the biosciences, particle physics, nuclear physics and medicine. The design, commissioning, and operation of accelerator facilities is a nontrivial task, due to the large number of control parameters and the complex interplay of several conflicting design goals. The Argonne Wakefield Accelerator facility has some unique challenges resulting from its purpose to carry out advanced accelerator R Individual experiments often have challenging beam requirements, and the physical configuration of the beam lines is often changed to accommodate the variety of supported experiments. The need for rapid deployment of different operational settings further complicates the optimization work that must be done for multiple constraints and challenging operational regimes. One example of this is an independently staged two-beam acceleration experiment which requires the construction of an additional beam line (this is now in progress). The high charge drive beam, well into the space charge regime, must be threaded through small aperture (17.6 mm) decelerating structures. In addition, the bunch length must be sufficiently short to maximize power generation in the decelerator. We propose to tackle this problem by means of multiobjective optimization algorithms which also facilitate a parallel deployment. In order to compute solutions in a meaningful time frame, a fast and scalable software framework is required. In this paper, we present a general-purpose framework for simulation-based multiobjective optimization methods that allows the automatic investigation of optimal sets of machine parameters. Using evolutionary algorithms as the optimizer and opal as the forward solver, validation experiments and results of multiobjective optimization problems in the domain of beam dynamics are presented. Optimized solutions for the new high charge drive beam line found by the framework were used to finish the design of a two beam acceleration experiment. The selected solution along with the associated beam parameters is presented.

Electron acceleration through two successive electron beam driven wakefield acceleration stages

Structure based wakefield acceleration may provide a viable approach for accelerating sufficiently large numbers of electrons and positrons at the high gradient needed to meet the luminosity, efficiency, and cost requirements of a future linear collider. An important step in proving its viability is the demonstration of acceleration in multiple stages. Here we show the results of the first experimental demonstration of staged two beam wakefield acceleration, conducted at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator Facility (AWA), in which a 0.5 nC electron bunch gained equal amounts of energy in two stages (∼2.4 MeV per stage, corresponding to an average acceleration gradient of ∼70 MeV/m). Meanwhile 150MeV/m of acceleration in a single stage has been achieved. The demonstration experiment should be scalable to staged-acceleration at gradients of the order of 200 to 300 MeV/m. Such a development would considerably reduce both the cost and footprint of both a future high-energy physics (HEP) collider, as well as future X-ray light sources.

Photoinjector optimization using a derivative-free, model-based trust-region algorithm for the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator

Model-based, derivative-free, trust-region algorithms are increasingly popular for optimizing computationally expensive numerical simulations. A strength of such methods is their efficient use of function evaluations. In this paper, we use one such algorithm to optimize the beam dynamics in two cases of interest at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator (AWA) facility. First, we minimize the emittance of a 1 nC electron bunch produced by the AWA rf photocathode gun by adjusting three parameters: rf gun phase, solenoid strength, and laser radius. The algorithm converges to a set of parameters that yield an emittance of 1.08 μm. Second, we expand the number of optimization parameters to model the complete AWA rf photoinjector (the gun and six accelerating cavities) at 40 nC. The optimization algorithm is used in a Pareto study that compares the trade-off between emittance and bunch length for the AWA 70MeV photoinjector.

Beam-induced wakefield observation inX-band choke-mode cavities

The $X$-band choke-mode structure is currently being studied as an alternative design for the accelerating structure of the compact linear collider (CLIC) main linac. The geometry of the choke-mode structure is designed to ensure the strong suppression of the beam-induced long-range transverse wakefield and therefore maintain the stability and quality of the beam in the CLIC main linac. Experiments conducted at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator Facility are presented in this study to verify the design of the wakefield suppressor. The beam-induced radio frequency (rf) signals in a three-cell choke-mode structure were measured, and measured results show good agreement with the simulation results. The measured results also show strong damping in high-order dipolar modes with a quality factor $Q$ of 10 to 20. The difference between the frequencies of the first and second dipole modes is about 3 GHz, which validates the special design of the cancelling dipole modes at the time of the succeeding bunch (0.5 ns).

High-charge-short-bunch Operation Possibility at Argonne Wakefield Accelerator Facility

High-charge-short-bunch Operation Possibility at Argonne Wakefield Accelerator Facility

Short-pulse dielectric two-beam acceleration

AbstractWe are exploring a new parameter space of the two-beam acceleration (TBA) scheme based on an ultra-short (~20 ns) rf pulse in a dielectric TBA. All two-beam accelerators (TBAs) use an electron drive beam to generate high-power rf in a decelerator and extract this power to drive an accelerating structure to high gradient. Typically, the rf pulse is on the order of hundreds of ns or greater in order to maintain good rf-to-beam efficiency. However, recent scaling arguments show that the rf breakdown threshold improves with decreasing rf pulse length, so it desirable to find a way to run at short-pulse length with good efficiency. In this paper, we discuss how we chose the design parameters of a short-pulse TBA for a TeV linear collider module. We then present plans for an experimental program to demonstrate TBA at Argonne wakefield accelerator (AWA) facility including high-power rf generation, high-gradient acceleration, and staging.

Formation of a novel shaped bunch to enhance transformer ratio in collinear wakefield accelerators

The transformer ratio, characterizing the ratio of maximum accelerating field behind the drive bunch to the maximum decelerating field inside the drive bunch, is one of the key parameters for characterizing the performance of collinear wakefield accelerators. In this paper the use of electron drive bunches possessing a particular temporal profile (the double-triangular bunch) is shown to significantly increase the transformer ratio beyond 2, the limit for a symmetric bunch. The double-triangular bunch is generated using the emittance exchange technique [P. Emma et al., Phys. Rev. ST Accel. Beams 9, 100702 (2006)]. Complete beam simulations have been performed for a collinear wakefield acceleration experiment planned at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator facility including the effects of the physical emittance increase of the bunch in the wakefield device. A transformer ratio of 6.5 and gradient of $20\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{MV}/\mathrm{m}$ is expected in this proof-of-principle experiment for a 3 nC double-triangular bunch traversing a 10 cm long, 200 GHz quartz based dielectric wakefield accelerator structure.

Increasing the transformer ratio at the Argonne wakefield accelerator

The transformer ratio is defined as the ratio of the maximum energy gain of the witness bunch to the maximum energy loss experienced by the drive bunch (or a bunch within a multidrive bunch train). This plays an important role in the collinear wakefield acceleration scheme. A high transformer ratio is desirable since it leads to a higher overall efficiency under similar conditions (e.g. the same beam loading, the same structure, etc.). One technique to enhance the transformer ratio beyond the ordinary limit of 2 is to use a ramped bunch train. The first experimental demonstration observed a transformer ratio only marginally above 2 due to the mismatch between the drive microbunch length and the frequency of the accelerating structure [C. Jing, A. Kanareykin, J. Power, M. Conde, Z. Yusof, P. Schoessow, and W. Gai, Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 144801 (2007)]. Recently, we revisited this experiment with an optimized microbunch length using a UV laser stacking technique at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator facility and measured a transformer ratio of 3.4. Measurements and data analysis from these experiments are presented in detail.

Experimental Test of 7.8 GHz Power Extractor Using Dielectric Loaded Rectangular Waveguide Structures

We report on experimental test of a 7.8 GHz power extractor using a dielectric loaded rectangular waveguide structure. This work is conducted at the Argonne wakefield accelerator (AWA) facility. The wakefield is excited by an electron beam travelling through a dielectric loaded rectangular waveguide, and the generated rf power is then subsequently extracted with a properly designed rf coupler. In the experiment, 30 MW of output power is excited by a 66 nC single electron bunch, and wakefield superposition by a train consisting of four bunches is also demonstrated. Both the results agree well with theoretical predictions.

Design and testing of a 7.8 GHz power extractor using a cylindrical dielectric-loaded waveguide

Dielectric-loaded power extraction is a method for the generation of high-power radio frequency (rf) waves under development for future particle accelerators. In this method, a high-charge electron beam drives a wakefield in a dielectric-loaded waveguide (the decelerator) and an rf output coupler extracts the rf power into an external waveguide. We report on the experimental demonstration of a 7.8 GHz dielectric-loaded power extractor at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator facility. We have generated more than 30 MW of rf power with a pulse length of approximately 1.7 ns by passing a single 66 nC electron bunch through the power extractor. We have also used a train of 4 electron bunches to show a clear signature of field superposition. Test results are in good agreement with predictions.

Double-negative metamaterial research for accelerator applications

Material properties are central to the design of particle accelerators. One area of advanced accelerator research is to investigate novel materials and structures and their potential use in extending capabilities of accelerator components. Within the past decade a new type of artificially constructed material having the unique property of simultaneously negative permittivity and permeability has been realized, and is under intense investigation, primarily by the optical physics and microwave engineering communities [C.M. Soukoulis, Science 315 (2007) 47; D.R. Smith, J.B. Pendry, M.C.K. Wiltshire, Science 305 (2004) 788; J.B. Pendry, A.J. Holden, W.J. Stewart, I. Youngs, Phys. Rev. Lett. 76 (1996) 4773]. Although they are typically constructed of arrays of discrete cells, as long as the condition that the wavelength of applied radiation is significantly greater than the cell dimensions is met, the material mimics a continuous medium and can be described with the bulk properties of permittivity, ε , and permeability, μ . When the permittivity and permeability are simultaneously negative in some frequency range, the metamaterial is called double negative (DNM) or left-handed (LHM) and has unusual properties, such as a negative index of refraction. An investigation of these materials in the context of accelerators is being carried out by IIT and the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator Facility [S. Antipov, W. Liu, W. Gai, J. Power, L. Spentzouris, AIP Conf. Proc. 877 (2006); S. Antipov, W. Liu, J. Power, L. Spentzouris, Design, Fabrication, and Testing of Left-Handed Metamaterial, Wakefield Notes at Argonne Wakefield Accelerator, 〈 http://www.hep.anl.gov/awa/wfnotes/wf229.pdf 〉 ]. Waveguides loaded with metamaterials are of interest because the DNM can change the dispersion relation of the waveguide significantly. For example, slow backward waves can be produced in a DNM-loaded waveguide without having corrugations. This article begins with a brief introduction of known design principles for realizing a DNM [J.B. Pendry, A.J. Holden, W.J. Stewart, I. Youngs, Phys. Rev. Lett. 76 (1996) 4773; D.R. Smith, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 84 (2000) 4184; J.B. Pendry, A.J. Holden, D.J. Robbins, W.J. Stewart, IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Tech. 47 (1999) 2075], along with a description of the experimental verification of the basic DNM properties of our designs. We then present our waveguide analysis, starting with the case of a waveguide loaded with a truly continuous medium that is dispersive and anisotropic. We show that the dispersion relation of a waveguide with frequency regions of negative ε ( ω ) and negative μ ( ω ) has several interesting frequency bands. While a DNM approximates a continuous medium, it is still made up of discrete elements. We discuss some implications of the discrete nature of the material for the behavior of a loaded waveguide, particularly at frequencies below the cutoff frequency of the waveguide. We conclude by describing our experimental program at present and in the near future. This includes testing the excitation of TM modes in a DNM loaded waveguide in the interesting frequency bands, both on the bench and from particle beam excitation.

RECENT STRUCTURE BASED HIGH GRADIENT WAKEFIELD EXPERIMENTS AT ARGONNE

Dielectric structures promise to support high field, especially for short wakefield pulses produced by a high charged electron beam traveling in a dielectric tube. To push the gradient higher, we have tested two structures using recent upgraded Argonne wakefield accelerator facility that capable of producing up to 100 nC charge and bunch length of &lt; 13 ps (FWHM). Here we report on the experiment results that more than 80 nC beam passes through a 14 GHz dielectric loaded wakefield structure that produced an accelerating field of ~ 45 MV/m . The two structures consist of a cylindrical ceramic tube (cordierite) with a dielectric constant of 5, inner and outer radii of 5 mm and 7.49 mm, respectively, and with length of 102 mm and 23 mm long. We present measurements made with single electron bunches and also with two bunches separated by 1.5 ns. As a next step in these experiments, another structure, with an output coupler, has been designed and is presently being fabricated.

Transverse beam envelope measurements and the limitations of the 3-screen emittance method for space-charge dominated beams

In its normal mode of operation, the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator Facility uses a high charge (10–100 nC), short pulse (3–5 ps) drive bunch to excite high-gradient accelerating fields in various slow-wave structures. To generate this bunch, we designed a 1.5 cell, L-band, rf photocathode gun with an emittance compensating solenoid to give optimal performance at high charge; it has recently completed commissioning. More recently, we have begun to investigate the possibility of using this gun in a high-brightness, low-charge operating mode, with charge equal to approximately 1 nC, for high-precision measurements of wakefields. Two related measurements are reported on in this paper: (1) measurements of the transverse beam envelope are compared to predictions from the beam dynamics code PARMELA; and (2) investigations into the use of a modified 3-screen emittance measurement method that uses a beam envelope model that includes both space-charge and emittance effects. Both measurements were made for the 1 nC, 8 MeV beam in the drift region directly following the rf photocathode gun.