A start-to-end optimisation of CLEAR for an inverse Compton scattering experiment, using RF-Track

Abstract

The CERN Linear Electron Accelerator for Research (CLEAR) has been operating as a user facility since 2017, providing beams for various experiments. This paper describes a start-to-end optimisation of the CLEAR beamline as a driver for X-ray generation through inverse Compton scattering. The novel particle tracking code RF-Track was used to simulate the electron beam from the bunch generation at the cathode up to the interaction with a laser beam. Figures of merit of the scattered photon beam were computed in RF-Track, and optimised by tuning the beam parameters at injection and quadrupole strengths across the beamline. The aim of the optimisation was to maximise the scattered photon flux, and minimise the effects from static and dynamic imperfections. The start-to-end model of the CLEAR beamline was used to derive the impact of jitter on flux.