To find the best possible shape for an accelerator component (left), researchers often have to tweak a number of factors at the same time, which would be tedious and time-consuming if done by hand. Software like SLAC’s ACE3P allows them to automate many of these tasks. In this case, they wanted to minimize electromagnetic fields that pull electrons away from the cavity surfaces (blue line) while keeping the electron beam (red line) traveling through the cavity at a particular frequency (green line and dot). Performing this complex task usually takes a number of simulation runs. In this case, the research team was able to reach both of their targets by removing a small amount of material (green) from one of the cavity’s internal surfaces.
Greg Stewart/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
All content is © SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Downloading, displaying, using or copying of any visuals in this archive indicates your agreement to be bound by SLAC's media use guidelines.
For questions, please contact SLAC media relations:
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory explores how the universe works at the biggest, smallest and fastest scales and invents powerful tools used by researchers around the globe. As world leaders in ultrafast science and bold explorers of the physics of the universe, we forge new ground in understanding our origins and building a healthier and more sustainable future. Our discovery and innovation help develop new materials and chemical processes and open unprecedented views of the cosmos and life’s most delicate machinery. Building on more than 60 years of visionary research, we help shape the future by advancing areas such as quantum technology, scientific computing and the development of next-generation accelerators.
SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
With help from two small businesses, SLAC’s vintage ACE3P software is spreading its wings to make supercomputing easier and faster.
