A short, high-brightness and relativistic electron bunch can excite ultra-high wakefields in dielectric wakefield structures. They can be used to generate high power THz coherent Cherenkov radiation, accelerate a trailing electron bunch with accelerating gradient two or three orders of magnitude larger than conventional RF based accelerators, and produce energy modulation within the bunch and manipulate the beam phase space, e.g., as the energy dechriper and transverse streaker. The dielectric wakefield accelerator (DWA) is one of the several modern advanced accelerator concepts that is currently actively researched worldwide and is critical for the next generation compact accelerators and radiation sources (e.g. FELs and linear colliders).
In this project, the electron beam from the CLARA, state-of-the art facilities at Daresbury Laboratory will be utilized to study the transverse and longitudinal beam dynamics in realistic dielectric wakefield structures. The beam breakup instability (BBU) and its suppression schemes will be investigated in detail. The research will find its important application in the near future EPAC (Extreme Photonics Application Centre) facility at the CLF (Central Laser Facility), future UK XFEL and linear colliders.
Student will be taking a leading role in modelling particle dynamics in various dielectric structures using software such as CST or VSIM; in designing and manufacturing dielectric accelerator structures; student will plan, conduct the experiment and perform data analysis. Student will also present the results at international conferences and workshops, write and publish high profile journal papers.
Qualifications applicants should have/expect to receive: The successful candidate will spend most of his/her time at the Cockcroft Institute, working with STFC Daresbury Laboratory researchers. The successful candidate will have or expect to obtain a first or upper second-class degree or equivalent (e.g. MPhys, MSci) in physics. Experience of accelerator physics and computational physics is desirable but not essential.
Funding and eligibility: The project is fully funded by the Cockcroft Institute for 3.5 years. A full package of training and support will be provided by the Cockcroft Institute. Self-funded overseas students may apply. An IELTS score of at least 6.5 is required.
You can find out more about being a PhD student at the Cockcroft Institute via https://www.cockcroft.ac.uk/education-and-training/phd-information, where you can download an application form and find out about other PhD projects available at the Cockcroft. To apply for this project, fill in the application form and email it with your CV to [Email Address Removed].
Contact for further information: [Email Address Removed]
How to apply: http://www.cockcroft.ac.uk/join-us