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Mustapha, Brahim

Publications and source records attributed to Mustapha, Brahim.

Bayesian optimization algorithms for accelerator physics

Accelerator physics relies on numerical algorithms to solve optimization problems in online accelerator control and tasks such as experimental design and model calibration in simulations. The effectiveness of optimization algorithms in discovering ideal solutions for complex challenges with limited resources often determines the problem complexity these methods can address. The accelerator physics community has recognized the advantages of Bayesian optimization algorithms, which leverage statistical surrogate models of objective functions to effectively address complex optimization challenges, especially in the presence of noise during accelerator operation and in resource-intensive physics simulations. In this review article, we offer a conceptual overview of applying Bayesian optimization techniques toward solving optimization problems in accelerator physics. We begin by providing a straightforward explanation of the essential components that make up Bayesian optimization techniques. We then give an overview of current and previous work applying and modifying these techniques to solve accelerator physics challenges. Finally, we explore practical implementation strategies for Bayesian optimization algorithms to maximize their performance, enabling users to effectively address complex optimization challenges in real-time beam control and accelerator design. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Transformative Technology for FLASH Radiation Therapy

The general concept of radiation therapy used in conventional cancer treatment is to increase the therapeutic index by creating a physical dose differential between tumors and normal tissues through precision dose targeting, image guidance, and radiation beams that deliver a radiation dose with high conformality, e.g., protons and ions. However, the treatment and cure are still limited by normal tissue radiation toxicity, with the corresponding side effects. A fundamentally different paradigm for increasing the therapeutic index of radiation therapy has emerged recently, supported by preclinical research, and based on the FLASH radiation effect. FLASH radiation therapy (FLASH-RT) is an ultra-high-dose-rate delivery of a therapeutic radiation dose within a fraction of a second. Experimental studies have shown that normal tissues seem to be universally spared at these high dose rates, whereas tumors are not. While dose delivery conditions to achieve a FLASH effect are not yet fully characterized, it is currently estimated that doses delivered in less than 200 ms produce normal-tissue-sparing effects, yet effectively kill tumor cells. Despite a great opportunity, there are many technical challenges for the accelerator community to create the required dose rates with novel compact accelerators to ensure the safe delivery of FLASH radiation beams.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Predicting beam transmission using 2-dimensional phase space projections of hadron accelerators

We present a method to compress the 2D transverse phase space projections from a hadron accelerator and use that information to predict the beam transmission. This method assumes that obtaining at least three projections of the 4D transverse phase space is possible and that an accurate simulation model is available for the beamline. Using a simulated model, we show that—a computer can train a convolutional autoencoder to reduce phase-space information which can later be used to predict the beam transmission. Finally, we argue that although using projections from a realistic nonlinear distribution produces less accurate results, the method still generalizes well.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Transformative Technology for FLASH Radiation Therapy: A Snowmass 2021 White Paper

Conventional cancer therapies include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and, more recently, immunotherapy. These modalities are often combined to improve the therapeutic index. The general concept of radiation therapy is to increase the therapeutic index by creating a physical dose differential between tumors and normal tissues through precision dose targeting, image guidance, and high radiation beams that deliver radiation dose with high conformality, e.g., protons and ions. However, treatment and cure are still limited by normal tissue radiation toxicity, with many patients experiencing acute and long-term side effects. Recently, however, a fundamentally different paradigm for increasing the therapeutic index of radiation therapy has emerged, supported by preclinical research, and based on the FLASH radiation effect. FLASH radiation therapy (FLASH-RT) is an ultra-high dose-rate delivery of a therapeutic radiation dose within a fraction of a second. Experimental studies have shown that normal tissues seem to be universally spared at these high dose rates, whereas tumors are not. The dose delivery conditions are not yet fully characterized. Still, it is currently estimated that large doses of 10 Gy or more delivered in 200 ms or less produce normal tissue sparing effects yet effectively kill tumor cells. There is a great opportunity, but also many technical challenges, for the accelerator community to create the required dose rates with novel and compact accelerators to ensure the safe delivery of FLASH radiation beams.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Considerations on the design of a rare isotope beam facility based on superconducting heavy ion linacs

To establish an accelerator facility based on superconducting linear accelerator (linac) for nuclear and applied sciences in Korea, the rare isotope science project started in December 2011 under the auspices of the Institute for Basic Science (IBS). The layout of the facility has been mostly frozen since 2013 and civil construction began in 2016. On the other hand, an alternative linac design option was recently investigated in collaboration with the linac development group of Argonne National Lab in search of a further optimized configuration. A new linac lattice was developed and evaluated against realistic machine errors using TRACK. The beam optics simulations and error analysis then proved the soundness of this alternative design. In addition, beam optics of the injector was studied for simultaneous acceleration of both stable and rare isotope beams with the use of an electron beam ion source (EBIS). Additionally considered are alternative options of high-power cyclotrons as ISOL driver in order to enhance the capability of rare isotope beam production and fully exploit the superconducting linac facility built at high cost.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Compac carbon ion LINAC

The invention provides a method for accelerating protons and carbon ions up to 450 MeV/u in a very compact linac, the method comprising subjecting the particles to a radio frequency quadrupole field to accelerate the particles to at least 3 MeV/u, a drift tube linac (DTL) to an energy of 20 MeV/u, followed by a coupled DTL to 45 MeV/u and finally a high-gradient section made of CCL-type standing wave cavities or negative harmonic traveling wave cavities operating at S-band frequencies and capable of delivering voltage gradients of 40 to 60 MV/m. Focusing the accelerated particles while accelerated to higher energy is provided by appropriately placed constant field permanent magnets and electromagnetic quadrupoles. The compactness and power efficiency of the linac is enabled by using high-gradient structure in the S-band frequencies for lower energy particles than ever before. The low-intensity required for hadron therapy allows the use of small-aperture S-band structures and the operation at very high gradient compared to high-intensity machines for research. Operating with very short sub-microsecond pulses at repetition rates up to 400 Hz allows the fast and flexible beam energy and intensity tuning not provided by existing hadron therapy machines. The designed linac is capable of accelerating ions as heavy as neon to the full 450 MeV/u energy, therefore allowing fast beam switching if different ion sources are installed in the front-end of the linac.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Thermoacoustic range verification in the presence of acoustic heterogeneity and soundspeed errors - Robustness relative to ultrasound image of underlying anatomy

Purpose: To demonstrate robustness of thermooacoustic range verification to acoustic heterogeneity and discrepancies between assumed and true propagation speed, i.e., soundspeed errors. Methods: A beam sweeper was used to deliver 250 ns pulses that deposited 0.26 Gy of 16 MeV protons and 2.3 Gy of 60 MeV helium ions into water and oil targets, respectively. Thermoacoustic signals were detected by a 96-channel ultrasound array with a 1-4 MHz sensitivity band (-6 dB), bandpass filtered and backprojected to create thermoacoustic images in the plane of the ultrasound array. The same soundspeed and transducer array were used to estimate range and generate the ultrasound images onto which Bragg peak locations were overlaid. An air-gap phantom that displaced the Bragg peak by 6.5 mm demonstrated accuracy. Robustness to soundspeed errors was demonstrated in a waterbath as the assumed propagation speed scanner setting was altered by +/- 5%. Tissue-mimicking gelatin and a bone sample were introduced to demonstrate robustness to acoustic heterogeneity relative to ultrasound images of the underlying morphology. Results: Single ion pulse measurements sufficed during the helium run, but signal averaging was required for protons. Moreover, range and entry point into the target were estimated from data collected by transducers placed at least 6 cm distal to the Bragg peak. When ultrasound images depicted the air-target interface where the beam enters, estimates of the entry point agreed with ultrasound images and range estimates agreed with Monte Carlo simulations to within 300 mu m, even when thermoacoustic emissions traveled through a strongly scattering bone sample. Estimated Bragg peak locations were translated 6.5 mm by the air-gap phantom and correctly identified scenarios when the beam stopped inside the bone. Conclusions: Soundspeed errors dilate and acoustic heterogeneities deform ultrasound images. When thermoacoustic receivers are co-located with the ultrasound imaging array, the same transformations shift thermoacoustic range estimates. Hence, thermoacoustic range verification is robust relative to ultrasound images of underlying anatomy. When the treatment target is visible in ultrasound, e.g., prostate, online thermoacoustic range estimates could verify that the treatment spot is inside the target.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Beam formation in the alternative JLEIC ion complex

The proposed alternative design approach for the JLab-EIC (JLEIC) ion complex uses a more compact linac and pre-booster, and consolidates the electron storage ring (ering) as a large booster for the ions. Following a parameter study showing the feasibility of this design approach, we have adapted the e-ring lattice by adding RF sections to accelerate ion beams. In this study, we focus on the transverse beam formation for protons and lead ions from the ion source to collision point including the linac, pre-booster, e-ring and collider ring. Effects such as stripping injection, space charge, intra-beam scattering and beam cooling determine the total charge accumulated in each ring and the final luminosity of the collider.

Mustapha, Brahim↗

Heavy ion linear accelerator for radiation damage studies of materials

A new eXtreme MATerial (XMAT) research facility is being proposed at Argonne National Laboratory to enable rapid in situ mesoscale bulk analysis of ion radiation damage in advanced materials and nuclear fuels. This facility combines a new heavy-ion accelerator with the existing high-energy X-ray analysis capability of the Argonne Advanced Photon Source. The heavy-ion accelerator and target complex will enable experimenters to emulate the environment of a nuclear reactor making possible the study of fission fragment damage in materials. Material scientists will be able to use the measured material parameters to validate computer simulation codes and extrapolate the response of the material in a nuclear reactor environment. Utilizing a new heavy-ion accelerator will provide the appropriate energies and intensities to study these effects with beam intensities which allow experiments to run over hours or days instead of years. The XMAT facility will use a CW heavy-ion accelerator capable of providing beams of any stable isotope with adjustable energy up to 1.2 MeV/u for 238 U 50+ and 1.7 MeV for protons. This energy is crucial to the design since it well mimics fission fragments that provide the major portion of the damage in nuclear fuels. The energy also allows damage to be created far from the surface of the material allowing bulk radiation damage effects to be investigated. Furthermore, the XMAT ion linac includes an electron cyclotron resonance ion source, a normal-conducting radio-frequency quadrupole and four normal-conducting multi-gap quarter-wave resonators operating at 60.625 MHz. This paper presents the 3D multi-physics design and analysis of the accelerating structures and beam dynamics studies of the linac.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗