Research questions and topics
This is a random list of questions/topics that I’m working on, have worked on, or would like to work on at some point.
- Equilibrium distributions
- Are there smooth equilibrium or near-equilibrium phase space distributions in non-continuous focusing channels?
- I’ve started working on applying generative models to this problem. Some initial progress here.
- I plan to work with Kiran Sonnad to apply his Lie transform method to realistic lattices. Maybe this method could be combined with generative model approach?
- Are there any solutions in non-continuous nonlinear lattices?
- Can we extend Gluckstern’s stability analysis of KV distributions to include cross-plane coupling?
- Are there linear-force equilibrium distributions beyond the standard KV distribution in 4D?
- Are there smooth equilibrium or near-equilibrium phase space distributions in non-continuous focusing channels?
- Phase space painting
- What is the optimal phase space painting path for space charge mitigation?
- How would one approach phase space painting in nonlinear rings?
- Eigenpainting: a method to generate vortex beams in rings. See a recent paper here.
- Can eigenpainting mitigate space charge effects, such as halo formation? If so, how?
- What is the lower limit on the four-dimensional emittance?
- Can a small emittance be preserved over long time scales, even with intrabeam scattering?
- Could this method be used to increase hadron collider luminosity using round-to-flat transformations?
- What is the intensity limit in an accumulator ring? Can we get anywhere near the space charge limit? Current machines operate at only a few percent tune shift.
- Phase space tomography
- Application of maximum-entropy methods
- How should we quantify uncertainty in phase space tomography? I’m working on applying Bayesian methods to this problem.
- What are the limits on the reconstructed dynamic range? Can we infer beam halo distributions in 2D/4D/6D? MENT seems like a promising algorithm here.
- Muon colliders
- Longitudinal compression of intense proton bunches
- Beam loss prediction and optimization of high-power hadron accelerators
- Modeling of intense beams in accelerators using PIC codes
- Experimental validation of beam physics theory, especially space-charge-driven resonance and instability
- Modeling of intrabeam stripping using generative models (normalizing flows)
- Can we use cross-plane coupling to our advantage when designing accelerators?