Discharge Waveguides for Plasma-based Accelerators
The production of high-quality electron bunches, in terms of their energy spectrum and emittance is currently recognized as one of the main challenges for the development of innovative, plasma-based electron accelerators for a wide range of applications. It is crucial both, for driving secondary sources and for the efficient development of multi-stage acceleration schemes delivering multi-GeV bunches. It heavily depends on the capability to inject bunches into the plasma wave in a well localized and controlled manner.
While the quality of bunches produced via self-injection in the so-called bubble regime has been steadily increased in recent years, advanced injection schemes have been being studied, such as injection in density down ramp and shock, colliding pulses and ionization injection. In the framework of the latter approach, a “two-colour” scheme, envisioning the usage of a long (~10 micron) wavelength pulse to drive the plasma wave and a shorter wavelength pulse for ionization injection, was proposed already in 2014. More recently, an evolution of this scheme, called “REMPI”, was proposed by the CNR-INO group and predicted to deliver bunches with very high quality while using a single Ti:Sapphire laser.
The approach is based on the usage of a train of ultrashort pulses to resonantly drive the plasma wave while avoiding any electron injection and of a pulse at a harmonic of the laser fundamental frequency to trigger the ionization injection. The scheme is being considered as one of the possible approaches for the EuPRAXIA laser-driven injector. One of the main challenges it the generation of a train of ultrashort pulses from a single laser.
This research project aims at addressing the underpinning issues and at providing one (or more) optical schemes for pulse train generation suitable for laser wakefield acceleration. The Fellow will study the ultrashort and ultra-intense fields, as well as the longitudinal (time-related) functions of the focused beam. The possibility of wavefront-tailoring to match the focusing/propagation properties of the different pulses will also be studied. Finally, the stability and reproducibility of the obtained laser pulse trains will be investigated in detail. The research will include theoretical and numerical studies in ultrashort pulse optics, as well as experimental activities at the Intense Laser Irradiation Laboratory of CNR-INO.
The Fellow will have access to the wide-ranging EuPRAXIA-DN training program which will include several international schools and workshops on plasma accelerator science and technology, as well as complementary skills. Secondments to network partners ELI beamlines (laser R&D), ELI-NP (REMPI) and UK-based company D-BEAM (advanced instrumentation) will complement the interdisciplinary training.
BenefitsThe EuPRAXIA Doctoral Network (EuPRAXIA-DN) is a new Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN), funded by the EU and the UKRI Guarantee Fund and offering 12 high level Fellowships between universities, research centers and industry that will carry out an interdisciplinary and cross-sector plasma accelerator research and training program for the new EuPRAXIA research infrastructure.
The network will develop a range of scientific and technical innovations and provide a cutting-edge interdisciplinary training that is expected to boost the career prospects of its Fellows.
Eligibility criteriaResearchers are normally required to undertake trans-national mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up their appointment. One general rule applies to the appointment of researchers in a network:
At the time of recruitment by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc) in the country of their host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date.
Short stays such as holidays and/or compulsory national service are not taken into account. As far as international European interest organisations or international organisations are concerned, this rule does not apply to the hosting of eligible researchers.However the appointed researcher must not have spent more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference deadline for submission of proposals or recruitment by the host organisation, depending on the action, in the same appointing organisation.
Selection processApplications will be collected by the network coordinator (INFN) and then allocated to the respective host organization which will organize a panel interview. You can indicate in your application if you wish to apply also for other positions within the network and in this case agree to sharing your information with these additional organisations.
Web site for additional job detailshttps: // www. eupraxia-dn.org/vacancies
Offer RequirementsEngineering: Master Degree or equivalent
Physics: Master Degree or equivalent
ENGLISH: Good
Skills/QualificationsWe are look for a dynamic, pro-active student who ideally has gained already hands-on experience in laboratory-based studies. Good analytical skills and an understanding of the fundamental concepts of advanced beam instrumentation techniques and plasma technology would be useful. A background in accelerator or laser R&D will be an asset, however, comprehensive training in all relevant areas will be provided.
Specific RequirementsResearchers can be of any nationality. They must comply with the rule for mobility.
Researchers are normally required to undertake trans-national mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up their appointment. One general rule applies to the appointment of researchers in a network:
- At the time of recruitment by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc) in the country of their host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date.
- Short stays such as holidays and/or compulsory national service are not taken into account. As far as international European interest organisations or international organisations are concerned, this rule does not apply to the hosting of eligible researchers. However the appointed researcher must not have spent more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference deadline for submission of proposals or recruitment by the host organisation, depending on the action, in the same appointing organisation.
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