Experimental simulation of beam propagation over long path lengths using radio-frequency and magnetic traps

An overview is given of the novel beam-dynamics experiments based on compact non-neutral plasma traps at Hiroshima University. We have designed and constructed two different classes of trap systems, one of which uses a radio-frequency electric field (Paul trap) and the other uses an axial magnetic field (Penning trap) for transverse plasma confinement. These systems are called “S-POD” (Simulator for Particle Orbit Dynamics). The S-POD systems can approximately reproduce the collective motion of a charged-particle beam propagating through long alternating-gradient (AG) quadrupole focusing channels using the Paul trap and long continuous focusing channels using the Penning trap. This allows us to study various beam-dynamics issues in compact and inexpensive experiments without relying on large-scale accelerators. So far, the linear Paul traps have been applied for the study of resonance-related issues including coherent-resonance-induced stop bands and their dependence on AG lattice structures, resonance crossing in fixed-field AG accelerators, ultralow-emittance beam stability, etc. The Penning trap with multi-ring electrodes has been employed primarily for the study of beam halo formation driven by initial distribution perturbations. In this paper, we briefly overview the S-POD systems, and then summarize recent experimental results on resonance effects and halo formation.