Laser-Ion Acceleration

Exercise 13 – Quadrupole doublet transport

Week 13 · new sheet · discussed in the tutorial session

Accompanies Lecture 13. Goal: estimate the relative energy acceptance \(\Delta E/E\) of a CALA-like permanent-magnet doublet for \(\sim 20\,\mathrm{MeV}\) protons. Use the interactive quadrupole doublet simulator (Fig. 13.2) to place the magnets for \(E_0\) and to visualise off-energy rays.

Doublet geometry for the exercise.
Geometry sketch for the exercise (see also the simulator).

Setup (use these numbers unless you argue for better ones)

Tasks

  1. Compute the magnetic rigidity \(B\rho = p/q\) and the focusing strength \(k=g/(B\rho)\) for \(20\,\mathrm{MeV}\) protons. In the thin-lens approximation, estimate the focal lengths of each quadrupole.
  2. Assemble a transfer-matrix model of the doublet + drift (thick lenses are welcome if you prefer). Tune / place the elements so that \(E_0\) is imaged onto the \(1\,\mathrm{mm}\) hole for a reasonable source–doublet distance. State all distances you assume.
  3. Energy acceptance. Vary the kinetic energy around \(E_0\) (chromatic \(k(E)\)) and find the band \(\Delta E\) for which particles emitted at small angles still land inside the \(1\,\mathrm{mm}\) aperture. Quote \(\Delta E/E\) at \(20\,\mathrm{MeV}\). (A Monte-Carlo ray trace of an isotropic, polyenergetic source is ideal; a few characteristic rays are enough for a first estimate.)
  4. Briefly discuss: how does \(\Delta E/E\) change if the hole is larger, or if \(E_0\) is lowered to \(10\,\mathrm{MeV}\) at the same \(g\)?

Proton momentum: \(p=\sqrt{2mE}\) non-relativistically to a few percent at \(20\,\mathrm{MeV}\) (\(\gamma-1\approx 0.02\)); using the relativistic \(p\) is cleaner. \(B\rho\,[\mathrm{T\,m}] \approx 0.144\sqrt{E\,[\mathrm{MeV}](1+E/(2\times 938))}\) for protons is a handy check.