Hallford, John Andrew;
(2023)
Magnetic Spectroscopy with Scintillation Detectors at the LUXE Experiment.
Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).
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Abstract
The success of the physical model of quantum electrodynamics relies on the use of a small perturbation above a quantum vacuum solution. In the physically possible case of a strong electric field, defined as being near or greater than the Schwinger limit, the assumption underlying this perturbation theory approach becomes unviable. In this new regime lies unexplored phenomena and a chance at new physics. The upcoming LUXE experiment at the Deutsches ElektronenSynchrotron intends to reach new parameter-space for intensity of an electric field, and access the strong regime. This is performed in two modes, with a modern high-power laser firing intense pulses at either accelerated bunches of electrons from the EU.XFEL (e-laser mode), or high-energy photons produced from the same EU.XFEL electron bunches (γ-laser mode). This thesis includes analysis of high-energy Bremsstrahlung emission, with the goal of accurately describing the flux of high-energy photons within the interaction point at LUXE. Presented here is the design and performance of operation of a magnetic spectrometer system, used to reconstruct the energy distributions of a flux of electrons, using a screen of scintillating material and optical cameras. This includes results from both simulation and using a prototype within test-beam. The Bremsstrahlung-related test-beam measurement resulted in a reconstructed polar angle profile which gives a reduction of maximum photon flux of 63% compared to the accepted model, if one assumes all measured discrepancy is due to inaccuracy in the theory. The suitability of the scintillator screen & camera system for LUXE is proven, in particular as the reconstruction of energy to ± 2% on a single-shot-basis is shown in simulation. The signal to noise ratio and dynamic range of the system, measured in test-beam, were included in the simulation.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Qualification: | Ph.D |
| Title: | Magnetic Spectroscopy with Scintillation Detectors at the LUXE Experiment |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | Copyright © The Author 2022. Original content in this thesis is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Any third-party copyright material present remains the property of its respective owner(s) and is licensed under its existing terms. Access may initially be restricted at the author’s request. |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences > Dept of Physics and Astronomy |
| URI: | https://discovery-pp.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10180560 |
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