Intelligent design of magnets for particle accelerators

A fully-funded 3.5 year PhD studentship is available under the supervision of Prof Andy Wolski (Department of Physics, University of Liverpool and Cockcroft Institute), Dr Bruno Muratori (ASTeC and Cockcroft Institute) and Dr Kiril Marinov (ASTeC and Cockcroft Institute).

Particle accelerators for research and other applications face ever more demanding requirements for performance capability. Developing appropriate designs for key components, in particular the magnets used to guide and control the particle beams, is crucial for achieving the specified performance. Traditional design methods have been based on models using a range of approximations and simplifications, with detailed information on the properties of the magnet only available once technical magnet design work has reached an advanced stage, typically quite late in the overall accelerator design process. The goal of this project is to investigate some recent novel ideas for matching specific requirements for the beam behaviour to particular aspects of the magnets in the accelerator, and to develop techniques that will enable more detailed guidance to be given for the magnet design than has been possible in the past. It is hoped that this will lead not only to improvements in accelerator performance, but will also help to make the accelerator design proceed more quickly and efficiently.

The student will work closely with members of both the Accelerator Physics Group and the Magnetics and Radiation Sources Group at STFC Daresbury Laboratory. Research will involve theoretical and computational studies of magnet design and the impact of various design features on the beam dynamics in a particle accelerator. The student should also gain a practical understanding of accelerators and their various subsystems and components, by participating in studies on accelerators in operation at Daresbury Laboratory. Candidates should have a good understanding of electromagnetic theory, and strong computational skills (including the ability to use standard scientific computing tools, and to develop customised software using an appropriate programming language).

Applications for this position should be made directly to the Cockcroft Institute with more information on how to do this available at https://www.cockcroft.ac.uk/education-and-training/phd-information.

Application Deadline Friday, 28th April 2017

For further information on the project please contact: [Email Address Removed], or [Email Address Removed]
For further information on the application process contact: [Email Address Removed]