TeraClear · Novel THz radiation source based on compact linear accelerator

Novel THz radiation source based on compact linear accelerator

There are more than thirty thousand accelerators in the world starting from small-scale linear accelerators used for medical applications such as cancer therapy and non-destructive welding and other joint diagnostics in industry, large-scale third and fourth generation light sources used to probe the molecular and atomic properties of matter, and ending with giant “atom-smashers” such as Large Hadron Collider used to unlock the secrets of creation. Operation of these machines would simply be impossible without a comprehensive set of non-invasive diagnostics equipment revealing the properties of the beam and how it behaves in the machine. A vast majority of non-invasive diagnostics devices is based on electromagnetic (EM) radiation generated by charged particles passing by a condensed medium. On the other hand large-scale light sources utilising synchrotron radiation are very expensive and compete with compact accelerator based light generators affordable by a small industrial company or a university. The EM radiation is typically generated when a fast charged particle interacts with a condensed medium and generates radiation from keV to MeV region. The project is greatly motivated by a growing demand for powerful, compact, inexpensive and tuneable sources of EM radiation in the THz range for applications in research and medicine. Polarisation Radiation appearing when a fast charged particle passes by a material is a well-recognised candidate for generating intense EM radiation beams with a very broad spectrum. Its characteristics are very sensitive to various beam parameters as well, which create an opportunity to develop non-invasive diagnostics. However, a simple tool capable of choosing an optimal radiator configuration, material, and observation geometry is still absent. Research objectives: - to investigate Cherenkov and Smith - Purcell mechanisms for THz radiation generation using EM simulation tools and propose the most efficient target configuration and an observation geometry; - to build a radiation source that provides high peak power levels and based on a compact linear accelerator technology with a femtosecond duration beam; - to evaluate the possible applications of the investigated radiation mechanisms for electron beam diagnostics and other promising applications; - to provide the knowledge exchange between the partner organisations and other interested parties via seminars, satellite and progress meetings, conferences and workshops; - to improve the public awareness about the ongoing research via outreach activities; - to develop project management skills.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз