Simulations of future particle accelerators: issues and mitigations

Abstract

The ever increasing demands placed upon machine performance have resulted in the need for more comprehensive particle accelerator modeling. Computer simulations are key to the success of particle accelerators. Many aspects of particle accelerators rely on computer modeling at some point, sometimes requiring complex simulation tools and massively parallel supercomputing. Examples include the modeling of beams at extreme intensities and densities (toward the quantum degeneracy limit), and with ultra-fine control (down to the level of individual particles). In the future, adaptively tuned models might also be relied upon to provide beam measurements beyond the resolution of existing diagnostics. Much time and effort has been put into creating accelerator software tools, some of which are highly successful. However, there are also shortcomings such as the general inability of existing software to be easily modified to meet changing simulation needs. In this paper possible mitigating strategies are discussed for issues faced by the accelerator community as it endeavors to produce better and more comprehensive modeling tools. This includes lack of coordination between code developers, lack of standards to make codes portable and/or reusable, lack of documentation, among others.

Computational approaches to Coherent Synchrotron Radiation in two and three dimensions

“…To go forward, the community will increasingly need to rely on open and collaborative software development practices. Some of the codes mentioned in this paper are open source or being moved toward it, but many cited in the literature remain closed off or abandoned [72]. All of the approaches shown have limitations, bugs, and inefficiencies, and addressing these will be expedited by better collaboration.…”

Modeling of advanced accelerator concepts

“…In this paper, we describe the specific needs and challenges that apply when modeling advanced accelerator concepts. We note that some of the challenges of modeling conventional accelerators, which are described in another paper of this issue [3], also apply to advanced accelerator concepts. This includes for instance software sustainability, standardization, validation, verification, usability, integrated workflows and frameworks, toolkits, ecosystems, and future computing architectures.…”

Collimation simulations for the FCC-ee

“…Developing and maintaining software for FCC-ee studies is crucial at the early design stages, but there are numerous challenges involved [22]. For collimation simulations for the FCC-ee, the goal was to develop and benchmark a stable and scalable software platform, based as much as possible on existing and proved tools.…”