Robert J. Noble

Dielectric laser accelerators

We describe recent advances in the study of particle acceleration using dielectric near-field structures driven by infrared lasers, which we refer to as Dielectric Laser Accelerators. Implications for high energy physics and other applications are discussed.

Radioisotope electric propulsion of sciencecraft to the outer solar system and near-interstellar space

Abstract Recent results are presented in the study of radioisotope electric propulsion as a near-term technology for sending small robotic sciencecraft to the outer Solar System and near- interstellar space. Radioisotope electric propulsion (REP) systems are low-thrust, ion propulsion units based on radioisotope electric generators and ion thrusters. Powerplant specific masses are expected to be in the range of 100 to 200 kg/kW of thrust power. Planetary rendezvous missions to Pluto, fast missions to the heliopause (100 AU) with the capability to decelerate an orbiter for an extended science program and prestellar missions to the first gravitational lens focus of the Sun (550 AU) are investigated.

Beamstrahlung from colliding electron-positron beams with negligible disruption

Abstract We present radiative energy loss formulas for beamstrahlung from colliding electron-positron beams which experience negligible disruption, as determined by numerical simulation. Our computer code uses the correct quantum mechanical photon number spectrum for synchrotron radiation emitted by relativistic electrons to simulate with macroparticles the discrete nature of photon emission. For Gaussian beams with small average electron energy loss, we determine energy loss formulas valid for all radiation regimes from classical to extreme quantum mechanical which depend on only two beam parameters, a quantum radiation parameter ϒ 0 and a beam energy per unit length, Γ 0 .

Magnetowave induced plasma wakefield acceleration for ultrahigh energy cosmic rays.

Magnetowave induced plasma wakefield acceleration (MPWA) in a relativistic astrophysical outflow has been proposed as a viable mechanism for the acceleration of cosmic particles to ultrahigh energies. Here we present simulation results that clearly demonstrate the viability of this mechanism for the first time. We invoke the high frequency and high speed whistler mode for the driving pulse. The plasma wakefield obtained in the simulations compares favorably with our newly developed relativistic theory of the MPWA. We show that, under appropriate conditions, the plasma wakefield maintains very high coherence and can sustain high-gradient acceleration over hundreds of plasma skin depths. Invoking active galactic nuclei as the site, we show that MPWA production of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays beyond ZeV (10{21} eV) is possible.

Target and Collection Optimization for Muon Colliders

To achieve adequate luminosity in a muon collider it is necessary to produce and collect large numbers of muons. The basic method used in this paper follows closely a proposed scheme which starts with a proton beam impinging on a thick target ({approximately} one interaction length) followed by a long solenoid which collects muons resulting mainly from pion decay. Production and collection of pions and their decay muons must be optimized while keeping in mind limitations of target integrity and of the technology of magnets and cavities. Results of extensive simulations for 8 GeV protons on various targets and with various collection schemes are reported. Besides muon yields results include-energy deposition in target and solenoid to address cooling requirements for these systems. Target composition, diameter, and length are varied in this study as well as the configuration and field strengths of the solenoid channel. A curved solenoid field is introduced to separate positive and negative pions within a few meters of the target. This permits each to be placed in separate RF buckets for acceleration which effectively doubles the number of muons per bunch available for collisions and increases the luminosity fourfold.

Crystal Channel Collider: Ultra-High Energy and Luminosity in the Next Century

We assume that, independent of any near-term discoveries, the continuing goal of experimental high-energy physics (HEP) will be to achieve ultra-high center-of-mass energies, possibly approaching the Planck scale (1028 eV), in the next century. To progress to these energies in such a brief span of time will require a radical change in accelerator and collider technology. High-gradient acceleration of charged particles along crystal channels and the possibility of colliding them in these same strong-focusing atomic channels have been separately investigated in earlier proposals. Here we expand further upon the concepts of emittance damping and plasma wave generation to explore a new paradigm for HEP machines early in the next century: the crystal channel collider. Energy and emittance limitations in natural crystal accelerators are determined. The technologies needed to begin experimental research on this accelerator concept are now emerging. The excitation of 1 to 100 GV/cm plasma waves in semiconductor a...

Inductive and electrostatic acceleration in relativistic jet-plasma interactions.

We report on the observation of rapid particle acceleration in numerical simulations of relativistic jet-plasma interactions and discuss the underlying mechanisms. The dynamics of a charge-neutral, narrow, electron-positron jet propagating through an unmagnetized electron-ion plasma was investigated using a three-dimensional, electromagnetic, particle-in-cell computer code. The interaction excited magnetic filamentation as well as electrostatic plasma instabilities. In some cases, the longitudinal electric fields generated inductively and electrostatically reached the cold plasma-wave-breaking limit, and the longitudinal momentum of about half the positrons increased by 50% with a maximum gain exceeding a factor of 2 during the simulation period. Particle acceleration via these mechanisms occurred when the criteria for Weibel instability were satisfied.

A solid state accelerator

We present a solid state accelerator concept utilizing particle acceleration along crystal channels by longitudinal electron plasma waves in a metal. Acceleration gradients of order 100 GV/cm are theoretically possible, but channeling radiation limits the maximum attainable energy to 105 TeV for protons. Beam dechanneling due to multiple scattering is substantially reduced by the high acceleration gradient. Plasma wave dissipation and generation in metals are also discussed.

Designing photonic bandgap fibers for particle acceleration

Photonic bandgap (PBG) fibers with hollow core defects have been suggested for use as laser driven accelerator structures. The modes of a photonic crystal fiber lie in a set of allowed bands. A fiber with a central vacuum defect can support so-called defect modes with frequencies in the bandgap and electromagnetic fields confined spatially near the defect. A defect mode suitable for relativistic particle acceleration must have a longitudinal electric field in the central defect and a phase velocity at the speed of light (SOL). We explore the design of the defect geometry to support well confined accelerating modes in such PBG fibers. The dispersion diagram of an accelerating mode must cross the SOL line, and such modes form a special class of defect modes known as surface modes, which are lattice modes of the original PBG crystal that have been perturbed into the bandgap. The details of the surface boundary separating the defect from the surrounding PBG matrix are found to be the critical ingredients for optimizing the accelerator mode properties.

Acceleration and collision of ultra-high energy particles using crystal channels

We assume that, independent of any near-term discoveries, the continuing goal of experimental high-energy physics (HEP) will be to achieve ultra-high center-of-mass energies early in the next century. To progress to these energies in such a brief span of time will require a radical change in accelerator and collider technology. We review some of our recent theoretical work on high-gradient acceleration of charged particles along crystal channels and the possibility of colliding them in these same strong-focusing atomic channels. An improved understanding of energy and emittance limitations in natural crystal accelerators leads to the suggestion that specially manufactured nano-accelerators may someday enable us to accelerate particles beyond 10{sup 8} eV with emittances limited only by the uncertainty principle of quantum mechanics.