“U.S. Scientists Slash Power Use by 80%”: This Game-Changing Accelerator Now Fires Beams 100 Times Brighter Than Before

In a remarkable stride for scientific innovation, U.S. researchers have introduced a revolutionary complex bend lattice design that could transform the landscape of materials science, biology, and energy research. Developed at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II), this prototype promises to slash power consumption by 80% and boost beam brightness by up to 100 times. With years of research culminating in this breakthrough, the implications for future accelerator technology are profound, offering enhanced efficiency and groundbreaking possibilities for scientific exploration.

A New Era of Beam Bending

The existing beam-bending system, pioneered in the 1970s, relies on a double bend achromat lattice using electromagnets. Under the leadership of Timur Shaftan, PhD, the NSLS-II team is now exploring a new generation of lattice design that integrates permanent magnet quadrupoles (PMQs). These magnets are smaller, consume no electricity, and require no maintenance. By placing these PMQs along a curved Halbach cylinder trajectory, they can perform both focusing and bending roles, leading to a lower emittance beam. This results in a tighter beam, thereby improving the brightness and resolution of experiments.

To validate this innovative design, the researchers have developed prototypes at varying scales. The initial small-scale model has led to a full-scale version, which is set to be installed in the NSLS-II tunnel. This installation will demonstrate the reliability of the design and bolster the team’s confidence in achieving the projected power reductions and brightness enhancements.

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Prototyping and Testing

The development of this complex bend lattice involved rigorous testing and precise engineering. The prototype was tested using a 200 megaelectron volt linac beam, a scaled-down version of the 3 gigaelectron volt machine, operating at significantly reduced energy. Guimei Wang, PhD, and her team faced several challenges with the novel design, such as using machine learning for beam tuning and developing a flexible vacuum chamber connection. These innovations were critical in overcoming the hurdles associated with the new design.

The full-scale prototype required meticulous machining of a thin-walled, 6.5-inch (2-meter) vacuum chamber to withstand extreme forces. Additionally, the team optimized magnet wedges with altered magnetization angles for integrated bending. Through collaboration with Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, a custom copper coil system was developed to ensure the magnets produced only the intended dipole and quadrupole fields, free from disruptive higher-order effects.

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The Path to Implementation

As the prototype nears its final stages, the research team is focused on confirming its scalability, cost-efficiency, and long-term reliability. Sushil Sharma, project lead and senior advisor in the Accelerator Division, highlights the importance of these factors for successful implementation in the storage ring. The team is currently working on proposals to create fully functional prototypes that meet refined specifications for installation in the NSLS-II.

Besides the engineering milestones, the project has embraced artificial intelligence. During the DOE’s ‘1,000 Scientist AI Jam Session,’ Brookhaven scientists tested AI models to refine PMQ correction algorithms and field predictions. The integration of AI into the accelerator design workflow shows promise for enhancing the precision and efficiency of future designs.

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Implications for Future Research

The potential of this groundbreaking prototype extends far beyond its immediate technological advancements. By dramatically reducing power consumption and enhancing beam brightness, the NSLS-II can significantly expand its research capabilities. Nearly 60 beamlines, exploring everything from proteins to battery materials, stand to benefit from these improvements.

With the proof-of-concept prototype achieving its goals, the path is clear for further enhancements and the realization of the full-scale version’s potential. The implications of this research are vast, holding the promise of accelerated discoveries in various fields, leading to technological and scientific breakthroughs. As the NSLS-II continues to evolve, what future innovations will this pioneering work inspire in the world of accelerator technology?