Exploring the shortest particle accelerator bunches with laser and terahertz techniques

Applications are invited for a fully funded studentship starting Oct 2024 in ultrafast laser-based diagnostics for particle accelerators. Ultrashort electron bunches approaching the femtosecond regime and below are in extreme demand by advanced accelerator technology, with examples ranging from free-electron lasers and ultrafast electron diffraction to injection into laser-plasma wakefields to deliver the next generation of high-gradient ultra-compact accelerators. To exploit such short bunches, the ability to accurately determine their longitudinal profile is essential, yet this remains a significant challenge with existing detection techniques limited by bandwidth, spectral response, or destructive measurement. This project will address this challenge by developing novel techniques combining laser and terahertz (THz) technology to provide bunch diagnostic tools capable of resolving the shortest particle bunches with unprecedented precision!

The project will primarily take place at Daresbury Laboratory, where you will be able to take advantage of the unique accelerator test facility CLARA (Compact Linear Accelerator for Research and Applications), which has been upgraded this year to provide 250 MeV relativistic electron beams. As part of CLARA, the FEBE (Full Energy Beam Exploitation) facility is set to install a brand new 100 TW laser, making it one of only a few facilities worldwide capable of combining high-power lasers with relativistic electron beams. Furthermore, the Terahertz Acceleration Group (part of the Cockcroft Institute based at Daresbury Laboratory) provides world-leading expertise in THz-driven acceleration, compression and diagnostics of electron beams, with a purpose-built THz bunker facilitating laser-generated THz experiments on a 100 keV electron gun. These combined facilities provide the opportunity for you to explore and develop a range of complementary diagnostic tools by pushing laser-based electro-optic techniques and THz-driven streaking schemes to their limits and exploiting novel spintronic THz materials to uncover new diagnostic methods.

The project will be predominantly experimental in nature, enabling you to gain hands-on experience across a wide range of laser and accelerator physics, including using high-power femtosecond lasers, generating and detecting pulses of THz radiation, exploring advanced materials (such as novel spintronic thin films) and working with high-energy electron beams. As a Cockcroft Institute student, you will join the Department of Physics and Astronomy at The University of Manchester, while at Daresbury Laboratory you will also be part of the Terahertz Acceleration Group (Dr Morgan Hibberd) and Femtosecond Lasers and Timing Group (Dr David Walsh), providing you with broad expertise across laser, THz and accelerator physics.

You will be expected to have a first or upper second-class degree in physics or other appropriate qualification, with a keen interest in experimental work in the field of laser and accelerator physics. Experience in either of these areas is desirable but not essential. A full graduate programme of training and development will be provided by the Cockcroft Institute, and while you will be based primarily at Daresbury Laboratory, occasional work will be undertaken in the laser lab at The University of Manchester. It is anticipated that you will participate in experiments at the CLARA/FEBE facility at Daresbury Laboratory and potentially other international laser and accelerator facilities (e.g. CERN, ELI), as well as attending international conferences.

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Dr Morgan Hibberd ([Email Address Removed]) for more information. This position will remain open until filled but it is typical to interview students in Feb 2024 for start in Oct 2024, so interested candidates should submit applications before then.