Broader course for all
Particle accelerators
Matthias Fuchs (KIT), Bastian Härer (KIT)
Abstract
High-energy charged particle beams are essential tools in modern science, enabling a wide range of applications from probing the fundamental constituents of matter to advancing materials science and energy research.
This lecture course provides an introduction to the physics and technology of particle accelerators, starting with an overview of various accelerator types and their applications in research, industry and medicine.
Key concepts in beam dynamics are introduced, providing the foundation for understanding how particle beams are described, generated, accelerated, focused, and controlled.
The course also highlights the differences between accelerators optimized for producing synchrotron light, and those designed for beam collisions for high-energy particle physics experiments.
The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is briefly discussed as the most powerful collider currently in operation, as well as the Future Circular Collider (FCC), a potential next-generation machine with complex design challenges.
Special attention is given to laser-plasma accelerators, a promising new technology for building compact and cost-effective accelerator systems.
The course concludes with an overview of accelerator research at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).
