Modeling particle accelerators using electric and magnetic fields

Particle accelerators play a huge role in fundamental science, industry and medicine. Most of the progress over the last century in nuclear and particle physics has been due to particle accelerators. These devices also play a big role in industrial processes such as chemical treatment and sterilization. They are used in national security applications such as cargo scanners. They play a major role in medicine, from the use of photon, electron and proton beams for cancer therapy to the manufacture of radioactive isotopes for nuclear medicine.

In this project we will build a software framework for analysis and design of a particle accelerator.

Name of research group, project, or lab

Ashutosh Kotwal's lab

What is the context and setting for this research?

The opportunity is an individual experience with the professor. More than one student can work on this project, in collaboration with each other and the professor.

Logistics Information: Contact Information:

Project categories

Computer Science

Mathematics

Physics and Astronomy

Student ranks applicable

First-year

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

Student qualifications

A thorough knowledge of mechanics and electromagnetism will be required, in order to calculate the motion of charged particles in the presence of electric and magnetic fields. In addition to strong background in physics and mathematics, a good skill level in C++ and python coding will be required. An analytical mindset will be needed to write and calculate physics equations, code them up and run careful tests of the code.

I will meet at least once a week with the student(s). All of the work can be done remotely. Discussion meetings can be in person on campus or by video-conferencing. I will provide detailed guidance. Students should be prepared to do careful physics calculations and also write software carefully and rigorously.

Hours per week

1-4

5-7

Compensation

Paid - General

Paid - Work-Study Required

Unpaid - Volunteer

Number of openings

2

Techniques learned

Physics, math and software programming.

Project start

Anytime

Mentor

Ashutosh Kotwal

[email protected]

Fritz London Distinguished Professor of Physics

Name of project director or principal investigator

Ashutosh Kotwal

Email address of project director or principal investigator

[email protected]