arXiv subjects

Christopher Mayes

Publications and source records attributed to Christopher Mayes.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Expanding LUME to Support Virtual Accelerators and Digital Twins

Virtual accelerators and digital twins are increasingly essential tools for accelerator operations, controls development and verification, and model-based optimization. However, current implementations are often tightly coupled to specific simulation codes, facilities, and applications, resulting in fragmented, ad hoc solutions that are difficult to reuse or extend. To address this, we expand the LUME Python package to include standardized implementation and deployment of virtual accelerators and digital twins across heterogeneous simulation backends and control system interfaces. At the core of this change is the introduction of LUMEModel abstraction, which defines a fixed, simulator-agnostic API and a variable system that encodes metadata such as units and data types/validation. This design enables standardized interaction with physics-based simulators, surrogate models, and differentiable simulations, while supporting both Python-native workflows and IOC-based operation via EPICS using the lume-pva package. Facility- and simulator-specific details are encapsulated through extensible transformer layers, allowing consistent control-system semantics to be mapped onto diverse simulation engines. We describe the LUMEModel architecture, variable system, and package ecosystem, and present representative use cases including model interchangeability, staged and chained simulators, and continuous integration testing. This work will make implementing and using virtual accelerators easier and more flexible.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2024

Multi-Objective Bayesian Active Learning for MeV-ultrafast electron diffraction

Ultrafast electron diffraction using MeV energy beams(MeV-UED) has enabled unprecedented scientific opportunities in the study of ultrafast structural dynamics in a variety of gas, liquid and solid state systems. Broad scientific applications usually pose different requirements for electron probe properties. Due to the complex, nonlinear and correlated nature of accelerator systems, electron beam property optimization is a time-taking process and often relies on extensive hand-tuning by experienced human operators. Algorithm based efficient online tuning strategies are highly desired. Here, we demonstrate multi-objective Bayesian active learning for speeding up online beam tuning at the SLAC MeV-UED facility. The multi-objective Bayesian optimization algorithm was used for efficiently searching the parameter space and mapping out the Pareto Fronts which give the trade-offs between key beam properties. Such scheme enables an unprecedented overview of the global behavior of the experimental system and takes a significantly smaller number of measurements compared with traditional methods such as a grid scan. This methodology can be applied in other experimental scenarios that require simultaneously optimizing multiple objectives by explorations in high dimensional, nonlinear and correlated systems.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2022

Multipoint-BAX: A New Approach for Efficiently Tuning Particle Accelerator Emittance via Virtual Objectives

Although beam emittance is critical for the performance of high-brightness accelerators, optimization is often time limited as emittance calculations, commonly done via quadrupole scans, are typically slow. Such calculations are a type of $\textit{multipoint query}$, i.e. each query requires multiple secondary measurements. Traditional black-box optimizers such as Bayesian optimization are slow and inefficient when dealing with such objectives as they must acquire the full series of measurements, but return only the emittance, with each query. We propose a new information-theoretic algorithm, Multipoint-BAX, for black-box optimization on multipoint queries, which queries and models individual beam-size measurements using techniques from Bayesian Algorithm Execution (BAX). Our method avoids the slow multipoint query on the accelerator by acquiring points through a $\textit{virtual objective}$, i.e. calculating the emittance objective from a fast learned model rather than directly from the accelerator. We use Multipoint-BAX to minimize emittance at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) and the Facility for Advanced Accelerator Experimental Tests II (FACET-II). In simulation, our method is 20$\times$ faster and more robust to noise compared to existing methods. In live tests, it matched the hand-tuned emittance at FACET-II and achieved a 24% lower emittance than hand-tuning at LCLS. Our method represents a conceptual shift for optimizing multipoint queries, and we anticipate that it can be readily adapted to similar problems in particle accelerators and other scientific instruments.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2022

Phase Space Reconstruction from Accelerator Beam Measurements Using Neural Networks and Differentiable Simulations

Characterizing the phase space distribution of particle beams in accelerators is a central part of accelerator understanding and performance optimization. However, conventional reconstruction-based techniques either use simplifying assumptions or require specialized diagnostics to infer high-dimensional ($>$ 2D) beam properties. In this Letter, we introduce a general-purpose algorithm that combines neural networks with differentiable particle tracking to efficiently reconstruct high-dimensional phase space distributions without using specialized beam diagnostics or beam manipulations. We demonstrate that our algorithm accurately reconstructs detailed 4D phase space distributions with corresponding confidence intervals in both simulation and experiment using a single focusing quadrupole and diagnostic screen. This technique allows for the measurement of multiple correlated phase spaces simultaneously, which will enable simplified 6D phase space distribution reconstructions in the future.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2022

Neural Network Solver for Coherent Synchrotron Radiation Wakefield Calculations in Accelerator-based Charged Particle Beams

Particle accelerators support a wide array of scientific, industrial, and medical applications. To meet the needs of these applications, accelerator physicists rely heavily on detailed simulations of the complicated particle beam dynamics through the accelerator. One of the most computationally expensive and difficult-to-model effects is the impact of Coherent Synchrotron Radiation (CSR). As a beam travels through a curved trajectory (e.g. due to a bending magnet), it emits radiation that in turn interacts with the rest of the beam. At each step through the trajectory, the electromagnetic field introduced by CSR (called the CSR wakefield) needs to computed and used when calculating the updates to the positions and momenta of every particle in the beam. CSR is one of the major drivers of growth in the beam emittance, which is a key metric of beam quality that is critical in many applications. The CSR wakefield is very computationally intensive to compute with traditional electromagnetic solvers, and this is a major limitation in accurately simulating accelerators. Here, we demonstrate a new approach for the CSR wakefield computation using a neural network solver structured in a way that is readily generalizable to new setups. We validate its performance by adding it to a standard beam tracking test problem and show a ten-fold speedup along with high accuracy.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2021

Improving Surrogate Model Accuracy for the LCLS-II Injector Frontend Using Convolutional Neural Networks and Transfer Learning

Machine learning models of accelerator systems (`surrogate models') are able to provide fast, accurate predictions of accelerator physics phenomena. However, approaches to date typically do not include measured input diagnostics, such as the initial beam distributions, which are critical for accurately representing the beam evolution through the system. In addition, these inputs often vary over time, and models that can account for these changing conditions are needed. Simulations are in some cases needed to provide sufficient training data. These typically represent the designed machine before construction; however, the behavior of the installed components may be quite different due to changes over time or static differences that were not modeled. Therefore, surrogate models that can leverage both simulation and measured data successfully are needed. We introduce an approach based on convolutional neural networks that uses the drive laser distribution and scalar settings as inputs for the Linac Coherent Light Source II injector frontend. The model is able to predict scalar beam parameters and the transverse beam distribution downstream, taking into account the impact of time-varying non-uniformities in the initial transverse laser distribution. We also introduce and evaluate a transfer learning procedure for adapting the surrogate model from the simulation domain to the measurement domain, to account for differences between the two. Applying this approach to our test case results in a model that can predict test sample outputs within a mean absolute percent error of 7.6%. This is a substantial improvement over the model trained only on simulations, which has an error of 112.7% when applied to measured data. While we focus on the LCLS-II Injector frontend, these approaches for improving ML-based online modeling of injector systems could be easily adapted to other accelerator facilities.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2019

Machine Learning for Orders of Magnitude Speedup in Multi-Objective Optimization of Particle Accelerator Systems

High-fidelity physics simulations are powerful tools in the design and optimization of charged particle accelerators. However, the computational burden of these simulations often limits their use in practice for design optimization and experiment planning. It also precludes their use as online models tied directly to accelerator operation. We introduce an approach based on machine learning to create nonlinear, fast-executing surrogate models that are informed by a sparse sampling of the physics simulation. The models are 10^6 to 10^7 times more efficient to execute.We also demonstrate that these models can be reliably used with multi-objective optimization to obtain orders-of-magnitude speedup in initial design studies and experiment planning. For example, we required 132 times fewer simulation evaluations to obtain an equivalent solution for our main test case, and initial studies suggest that between 330 to 550 times fewer simulation evaluations are needed when using an iterative retraining process. Our approach enables new ways for high-fidelity particle accelerator simulations to be used, at comparatively little computational cost.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2018

Opportunities in Machine Learning for Particle Accelerators

Machine learning (ML) is a subfield of artificial intelligence. The term applies broadly to a collection of computational algorithms and techniques that train systems from raw data rather than a priori models. ML techniques are now technologically mature enough to be applied to particle accelerators, and we expect that ML will become an increasingly valuable tool to meet new demands for beam energy, brightness, and stability. The intent of this white paper is to provide a high-level introduction to problems in accelerator science and operation where incorporating ML-based approaches may provide significant benefit. We review ML techniques currently being investigated at particle accelerator facilities, and we place specific emphasis on active research efforts and promising exploratory results. We also identify new applications and discuss their feasibility, along with the required data and infrastructure strategies. We conclude with a set of guidelines and recommendations for laboratory managers and administrators, emphasizing the logistical and technological requirements for successfully adopting this technology. This white paper also serves as a summary of the discussion from a recent workshop held at SLAC on ML for particle accelerators.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2015

The Cornell-BNL FFAG-ERL Test Accelerator: White Paper

The Cornell-BNL FFAG-ERL Test Accelerator (C$\beta$) will comprise the first ever Energy Recovery Linac (ERL) based on a Fixed Field Alternating Gradient (FFAG) lattice. In particular, we plan to use a Non Scaling FFAG (NS-FFAG) lattice that is very compact and thus space- and cost- effective, enabling multiple passes of the electron beam in a single recirculation beam line, using the superconducting RF (SRF) linac multiple times. The FFAG-ERL moves the cost optimized linac and recirculation lattice to a dramatically better optimum. The prime accelerator science motivation for C$\beta$ is proving that the FFAG-ERL concept works. This is an important milestone for the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) plans to build a major Nuclear Physics facility, eRHIC, based on producing 21 GeV electron beams to collide with the RHIC ion beams. A consequence of the C$\beta$ work would be the availability of significantly better, cost-effective, compact CW high-brightness electron beams for a plethora of scientific investigations and applications, such as X-ray sources, dark-matter and dark-energy searches, and industrial high-power Free-Electron Laser (FEL) applications. C$\beta$ brings together the resources and expertise of a large DOE National Laboratory, BNL, and a leading research university, Cornell. C$\beta$ will be built in an existing building at Cornell, for the most part using components that have been developed under previous R&D programs, including a fully commissioned world-leading photoemission electron injector, a large SRF accelerator module, and a high-power beam stop. The only elements that require design and construction from scratch is the FFAG magnet transport lattice. This white paper describes a project that promises to propel high-power, high-brightness electron beam science and applications to an exciting new level.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2008

Exact 1-D Model for Coherent Synchrotron Radiation with Shielding and Bunch Compression

Coherent Synchrotron Radiation has been studied effectively using a 1-dimensional model for the charge distribution in the realm of small angle approximations and high energies. Here we use Jefimenko's form of Maxwell's equations, without such approximations, to calculate the exact wake-fields due to this effect in multiple bends and drifts. It has been shown before that the influence of a drift can propagate well into a subsequent bend. We show, for reasonable parameters, that the influence of a previous bend can also propagate well into a subsequent bend, and that this is especially important at the beginning of a bend. Shielding by conducting parallel plates is simulated using the image charge method. We extend the formalism to situations with compressing and decompressing distributions, and conclude that simpler approximations to bunch compression usually overestimates the effect. Additionally, an exact formula for the coherent power radiated by a Gaussian bunch is derived by considering the coherent synchrotron radiation spectrum, and is used to check the accuracy of wake-field calculations.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2008

Extended 1D Method for Coherent Synchrotron Radiation including Shielding

Coherent Synchrotron Radiation can severely limit the performance of accelerators designed for high brightness and short bunch length. Examples include light sources based on ERLs or FELs, and bunch compressors for linear colliders. In order to better simulate Coherent Synchrotron Radiation, the established 1-dimensional formalism is extended to work at lower energies, at shorter bunch lengths, and for an arbitrary configuration of multiple bends. Wide vacuum chambers are simulated by means of vertical image charges. This formalism has been implemented in the general beam dynamics code "Bmad" and its results are here compared to analytical approximations, to numerical solutions of the Maxwell equations, and to the simulation code "elegant".

physics.acc-ph↗