Design of the AWAKE Run 2c transfer lines using numerical optimizers

TL;DR

This paper presents the design and optimization of the AWAKE Run 2c transfer lines using numerical algorithms and neural networks to meet precise beam injection requirements for plasma wakefield acceleration experiments.

Contribution

It introduces the application of numerical optimizers and genetic algorithms for designing and operationally tuning the new electron transfer lines in the AWAKE experiment.

Findings

Successful design of the 150 MeV electron line meeting experimental specs

Implementation of neural network-based beam measurement techniques

Operational strategies for beam steering and alignment

Abstract

The Advanced Wakefield (AWAKE) Experiment is a proof-of-principle experiment demonstrating the acceleration of electron beams via proton-driven plasma wakefield acceleration. AWAKE Run 1 achieved acceleration of electron beams to 2 GeV and the intention for Run 2 is to build on these results by achieving acceleration to ~10 GeV with a higher beam quality. As part of the upgrade to Run 2, the existing proton and electron beamlines will be adapted and a second plasma cell and new 150 MeV electron beamline will be added. This new beamline will be required to inject electron bunches with micron-level beam size and stability into the second plasma cell from within the 1 m gap between the two plasma cells. In this paper we describe the techniques used (e.g. numerical optimizers and genetic algorithms) to produce the design of the 150 MeV electron line in order to meet the challenging experimental specifications. Operational techniques are also studied for both electron transfer lines including steering and alignment methods utilising numerical optimizers and beam measurement techniques employing neural networks.