PhD Studentship: Developing Laser-driven Terahertz Devices to Probe the Shortest Particle Accelerator Bunches

This funded project is open to home and overseas students.

The start date is September 2024.

Application deadline: 30/06/2024

Research theme: Laser physics with particle accelerator applications

To apply, please click the 'Apply' button, above.

Terahertz (THz) radiation occupies the sub-mm wavelength region of the electromagnetic spectrum between microwaves and infrared, where it has been historically challenging to create sources and detectors due to the limits of both electronic and photonic technology. However, in recent years, powerful sources of laser-generated terahertz (THz) radiation have overcome this limitation, providing ps-scale pulses with strong electric fields entering the GV/m regime, driving new research in areas such as ultrafast magnetism, quantum optics, superconductivity and novel particle beam acceleration/manipulation.

For accelerator applications, the 1000x increase in frequency compared to conventional GHz radio-frequency technology offers a whole range of new opportunities to control particle bunches on an unprecedented ultrashort timescale, with the advantages of stronger fields, intrinsic laser synchronisation and compact accelerator structures. One particular area of interest is in characterising the longitudinal properties of ultrashort electron bunches by using the THz fields to “streak” the bunch. This technique involves applying a longitudinally-varying deflection to map the longitudinal dimension into a transverse plane, which can be directly measured by imaging on a screen. The high frequency of the THz fields make this process extremely efficient and capable of temporal resolutions down to the fs level.

With ultrashort electron bunches approaching the fs regime and below in extreme demand by advanced accelerator technology (e.g. free electron lasers, ultrafast electron diffraction, wakefield injection), the ability to accurately determine their longitudinal profile is essential, yet this remains a significant challenge with existing detection techniques. This project will address this challenge by developing and optimising the structures and sources for THz-driven streaking capable of resolving the shortest particle bunches.

The project will investigate new THz devices based on metal-wire guiding of both single- and multi-cycle THz pulses, exploiting the ideal characteristics of negligible dispersion, low attenuation and structural simplicity. To optimise the accelerating/deflecting modes required, dual- and multi-wire configurations will be explored, closely supported by targeted THz source development for efficient mode-matching, coupling and propagation. The project will always be open to explore alternative ideas and concepts, with the ultimate goal to design, characterise and implement new devices for demonstration of THz-driven streaking of ultrashort electron beams with unprecedented resolution.

The project will exploit the ultrafast laser and THz facilities at the Photon Science Institute (PSI), in addition to the material science capabilities offered by the neighbouring Henry Royce Institute for structure development. A key aim of the project will be to strengthen the link between the PSI and the Cockcroft Institute at Daresbury Laboratory, where access to an accelerator facility with both low-energy (100 keV) and high-energy (250 MeV) electron beams, and high-power TW-level laser systems, provides the ideal opportunity for direct demonstration of accelerator applications. Opportunities through ongoing collaborations at external facilities such as the Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI-ALPS) and CERN are also anticipated, in addition to contribution to the wider activities of the THz Acceleration Group and participation in national/international conferences.

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Before you apply, please contact the main supervisor, Dr Morgan Hibberd: morgan.hibberd@manchester.ac.uk

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