Speeding up simulations of relativistic systems using an optimal boosted frame

TL;DR

This paper discusses how Lorentz boosted frame simulations can significantly reduce computational costs for relativistic systems, addressing discretization challenges and demonstrating applications in high-energy accelerator physics.

Contribution

It presents solutions to discretization issues in boosted frame simulations, enabling efficient modeling of complex relativistic systems like laser wakefield accelerators at high energies.

Findings

Boosted frame simulations reduce computational time.

Discretization errors can be effectively managed.

Application to 3D laser wakefield accelerators at 10 GeV+.

Abstract

It can be computationally advantageous to perform computer simulations in a Lorentz boosted frame for a certain class of systems. However, even if the computer model relies on a covariant set of equations, it has been pointed out that algorithmic difficulties related to discretization errors may have to be overcome in order to take full advantage of the potential speedup. We summarize the findings, the difficulties and their solutions, and show that the technique enables simulations important to several areas of accelerator physics that are otherwise problematic, including self-consistent modeling in three-dimensions of laser wakefield accelerator stages at energies of 10 GeV and above.