Amplitude dependent orbital period in alternating gradient accelerators

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the orbital period in large-emittance accelerators varies with oscillation amplitude, providing experimental validation crucial for designing next-generation particle accelerators.

Contribution

It presents the first measurement of amplitude-dependent orbital period in a linear non-scaling FFAG accelerator, confirming theoretical predictions.

Findings

Measured orbital period variation matches theoretical models

Validates importance of amplitude effects in large-emittance accelerators

Supports design considerations for muon and unstable nucleus accelerators

Abstract

Orbital period in a ring accelerator and time of flight in a linear accelerator depend on the amplitude of betatron oscillations. The variation is negligible in ordinary particle accelerators with relatively small beam emittance. In an accelerator for large emittance beams like muons and unstable nuclei, however, this effect cannot be ignored. We measured orbital period in a linear non-scaling fixed field alternating gradient (FFAG) accelerator, which is a candidate for muon acceleration, and compared with the theoretical prediction. The good agreement between them gives important ground for the design of particle accelerators for a new generation of particle and nuclear physics experiments.