CFU
6
Length
14 Weeks
Semester DD
First
Starting with historical notes on the development of accelerators, the motion of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields is described, as they are accelerated, transported and focused. We focus both on machines for high energies physics that of those for the production of light for research in other fields. Investigating the reasons of the radiation emission by an accelerated charge, we study the characteristics of the radiation produced, its effect on the motion of particles, and its applications. From the description of single particles, we arrive to the particles beam definition to take into account the collective effects. Finally, we talk briefly about the great revolution ongoing: the plasma acceleration, which will allow to build table-top accelerators. The visit to a real particle accelerator is included.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The course is aimed at providing a general preparation at introductory level of particle accelerator physics, with in-depth knowledge of some specialized areas of recent research in this field. The educational objectives foresee the knowledge of electromagnetism, applied to particular problems of motion of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields and to the emission of radiation produced by accelerated charges.
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
Students must have a general understanding of the principles used to accelerate and guide bunches of charged particles. They must understand the effects of radiation emission and its physics. They must also have a good knowledge of the state of the art at least in some specialized sectors studied in depth during the course. The verification of knowledge and understanding is done through an oral test.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
The students must be able to define the best solutions to obtain high quality particle beams, depending on the specific use that is considered for them. They must be able to correlate the physics of radiation emission from charged particles with the light sources presented in the course, knowing how to identify the limits and advantages of different solutions. They must be able to hold a discussion about the limits of conventional techniques and the possibilities of plasma acceleration. Students must be able to find connections between solutions used in different fields and show how these can be traced back to the same physical modeling. Finally, students must be able to solve simple numerical problems proposed in the course.
MAKING JUDGEMENTS:
The course contributes to the growth of students' independent judgment, in recognizing sensitive data in a complex problem and reducing it to first principles. Students are invited to develop the ability to perform bibliographic searches and to select interesting materials, in particular on the WEB, where it is possible to find a lot of literature, especially from CERN accelerator schools. These skills are acquired during the study for the preparation of the exam, deepening some specific topics also with the consultation of articles in journals.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
The course increases the communication skills of the student, requiring an exposition of the topics of the course in strictly scientific terms. At the same time it requires a clear exposition, with logical succession of arguments.
LEARNING SKILLS:
The course solicits the student's learning abilities stimulating them to use more manuals and more sources to reach a better knowledge of the subject