Accelerator and Beam Physics: Grand Challenges and Research Opportunities

Abstract

Accelerator and beam physics (ABP) is the science of the motion, generation, acceleration, manipulation, prediction, observation and use of charged particle beams. It focuses on fundamental long-term accelerator and beam physics research and development. Accelerator and beam physics research has resulted in important advances in accelerator science, yet support for this research is declining. NSF has terminated its program in Accelerator Science and funding by DOE through GARD and Accelerator Stewardship has been steady or declining. The declining support for accelerator research will slow advances and threaten student training and work-force development in accelerator science. We propose a robust and scientifically challenging program in accelerator and beam physics, which will position the field of US High Energy Physics to be productive and competitive for decades to come.