Ultrafast laser driven acceleration of relativistic electron beams: Theory and simulation

 PhD studentships starting October 2021

Supervisor: Prof S Jamison*, Lancaster University, Department of Physics

Associated project supervisors: Prof R Appleby*

 University of Manchester, Department of Physics

* & Cockcroft Institute for particle accelerator science.

Lancaster University, together with collaborators at University of Manchester and the Cockcroft Institute for particle accelerator science, have developed internationally leading approaches to laser-driven particle accelerators. Our research, which involves a combination of femtosecond laser non-linear optics and sub-mm structures for electromagnetic-electron beam interactions, featured as the cover article in Nature Photonics in December 2020†.

Opportunities are now available for talented physicists to join our research programme as a PhD student. The theory/simulation-focussed studentship will investigate the mechanisms of energy depletion and back reaction on the electromagnetic field during extremely high gradient (GV/m) and ultrafast (few femtosecond) conditions.

The student will join a vibrant team of PhD students and post-doctoral researchers from Lancaster University and University of Manchester. The research team have extensive laser and electron beam experimental facilities at STFC Daresbury National Laboratory, Lancaster and Manchester universities, and access to relativistic beam test accelerators at the National Laboratory.

For further information contact Prof Steven Jamison at [Email Address Removed]