Beam Dynamics in High Intensity Cyclotrons Including Neighboring Bunch Effects: Model, Implementation and Application

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel 3D simulation model for high intensity cyclotrons that accounts for neighboring bunch effects, validated with PSI cyclotron data, aiding in high power beam design.

Contribution

A new self-consistent particle-in-cell simulation model including neighboring bunch interactions, implemented in OPAL-cycl, and validated against real cyclotron data.

Findings

Model accurately simulates neighboring bunch effects

Simulation results align with experimental data

Supports high intensity beam upgrade planning

Abstract

Space charge effects, being one of the most significant collective effects, play an important role in high intensity cyclotrons. However, for cyclotrons with small turn separation, other existing effects are of equal importance. Interactions of radially neighboring bunches are also present, but their combined effects has not yet been investigated in any great detail. In this paper, a new particle in cell based self-consistent numerical simulation model is presented for the first time. The model covers neighboring bunch effects and is implemented in the three-dimensional object-oriented parallel code OPAL-cycl, a flavor of the OPAL framework. We discuss this model together with its implementation and validation. Simulation results are presented from the PSI 590 MeV Ring Cyclotron in the context of the ongoing high intensity upgrade program, which aims to provide a beam power of 1.8 MW (CW) at the target destination.