Quantum Gas jet Scanner (QuantumJET)

This application seeks funding from STFC to support the development of a quantum gas jet-based beam scanner/target. QuantumJET will produce micrometer-focused beams of atoms and molecules for non-invasive, high resolution beam monitoring applications, as well for use as targets in storage rings.

As a beam monitor, this novel device will benefit essentially any high intensity, high energy accelerator where commonly used beam monitors no longer work, including high power accelerators such as the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) or Accelerator Driven Systems (ADS) . It will also mark a breakthrough for accelerators that rely on very small cross sections that cannot be resolved with curtain-shaped gas jets, such as linear colliders.

More widely, the technology will be very attractive for any accelerator or light source that would benefit from non-destructive online beam monitoring, including medical accelerators and ion implanters.

As a versatile gas target, a well-defined jet provides an ideal basis for studies into total and fully differential cross sections in beam lines and storage rings. Of particular interest is the integration in low energy antiproton rings such as the AD and ELENA at CERN, as keV antiprotons give insight into correlation process on the attosecond timescale, thus paving the way for a detailed understanding of fundamental physics concepts.

Moreover, well-controlled, high-density gas beams may also find use as confined plasma sources for electron accelerators , plasma beam dumps or "refractive" kickers for extremely rigid electron beams .

Underpinning R&D was carried out in the QUASAR Group, based at the Cockcroft Institute (CI) on the campus of Daresbury Laboratory. The Group is very well connected with the global accelerator community and has been a recognized leader in beam diagnostic R&D for more than a decade. Previous work was supported by the HL-LHC-UK project, funded by STFC and CERN, and the Cockcroft Institute core grant ST/G008248/1.

It was done in close collaboration with D-Beam Ltd, an STFC CERN Business Incubation Centre alumnus.