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Pulsar Physics

and the General Particle Tracer (GPT) code

Alpha-X

Introduction: Alpha-X, Advanced Laser-Plasma High-energy Accelerators towards X-rays, is a research program at Strathclyde University to develop a laser-plasma accelerator and produce coherent short-wavelength radiation in a free-electron laser.

Start to end simulations: The flexibility of the GPT code makes is ideally suited for start-to-end simulations, including FEL processes. All components for such a simulation have been developed, including a simple (electrostatic) model for the plasma.


Three snapshots of full start-to-end GPT simulation result of the bunching process in the alpha-x plasma accelerator. Particles are color-coded on final energy to assist interpretation of the simulation results.

Collaboration: This project is commissioned by the Strathclyde University, Department of Physics, Glasgow, UK.