Optimization of Particle Accelerators (opac)

The optimization of the performance of any particle accelerator critically depends on an in-depth understanding of the beam dynamics, powerful simulation tools and beam diagnostics, as well as a control and data acquisition system that links all the above. The oPAC consortium has carried out collaborative research into these areas, with the aim to optimize the performance of present and future accelerators that lie at the heart of many research infrastructures. The network brought together research centers, universities, and industry partners to jointly train 23 researchers. This paper presents selected research outcomes from the network’s scientific work packages, including results from beam dynamics simulations into upgrade scenarios for the LHC and 3 generation light source ALBA, as well as initial results from a cryogenic current comparator for low intensity ion beams. Finally, it is shown how an open source control system based on a relational database using a dynamic library loader can help enhance overall facility performance.