AI-powered beam instrumentation for plasma wakefield acceleration

About the project

About the Project Project Background AWAKE is the world’s first proton-driven plasma wakefield acceleration experiment. It utilizes 400 GeV proton bunches from the CERN SPS to drive plasma wakefields with an amplitude of ~ GV/m (which are orders of magnitude higher than conventional accelerators). The first experimental run of this unique facility produced results, published in Nature, demonstrating acceleration of an externally injected 18 MeV electron beam up to several GeVs in a 10 m long plasma. The most recent AWAKE scientific program, called Run 2b, has produced several high impact results in recent years, including successful acceleration of the electron beam up to 2 GeV in a single stage of acceleration, demonstrated stable and reproducible seeded self-modulation (SSM) for a long proton bunch, and demonstrated the application of scalable plasma sources. Preparation for Run 2c is now under way, which will use a second plasma and new electron source to reach higher energies whilst maintaining and monitoring the beam quality for high energy physics applications. This work will pave the way for this novel acceleration technology to drive compact machines towards the energy frontier. Proposed Scheme of Work To produce a high-quality electron beam for future applications, AWAKE requires novel instrumentation to measure and monitor the three beams, (proton, electron, and laser) throughout the acceleration process. This project will develop key diagnostics for the longitudinal beam profile, non-invasive measurement and monitoring of the beam emittance, and applications of optical fibre-based beam loss monitors developed in the QUASAR Group for experiment optimization and control. AWAKE Run 2c needs these specific pieces of instrumentation to achieve the scientific goals of the experiment, and demonstrate the technology for future high energy physics applications. To tackle the complexities of providing online monitoring of a plasma accelerated beam, the propose systems will utilise AI models for advanced analysis, virtual measurements, and automated control. The AI models will be trained with a combination of simulation and experimental data collected at test facilities and the AWAKE beamline. The R&D will include proof-of-principle studies at partner facilities and in the Cockcroft Institute’s optical and DITALab laboratories using different light sources to emulate beam behaviour. Work will then shift to the installation, integration, and operation of this new instrumentation on the AWAKE beamline at CERN. This will coincide with the opportunity to spend significant time at CERN, directly contributing to the commissions of AWAKE Run 2c and the associated scientific goals. The student will be co-supervised by experienced scientists from the University of Manchester and University of Liverpool, where they will be registered for their PhD, and the AWAKE team. Student responsibilities will include: • Hardware and software R&D into beam diagnostics for the AWAKE experiment; • Simulation of instrumentation operation; • Design, train, and deploy machine learning models; • Assist in data taking and analysis, and benchmarking at AWAKE and other test facilities; • Make a significant contribution to the success of Run 2c; • Disseminate research in journal articles; • Present at AWAKE Collaboration meetings, international conferences and workshops. Funding and eligibility: Upon acceptance of a student, this project will be funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council for 3.5 years. This consists of a tax free stipend at UKRI rates, university fees at the home (UK) rate, plus support for travel to conferences and workshops. A full package of training and support will be provided by the Cockcroft Institute, and the student will take part in a vibrant accelerator research and education community of over 150 people. An IELTS score of at least 6.5 is required. Contact for further information: Prof. Carsten Welsch welsch@liverpool.ac.uk How to apply: Apply at the Cockcroft Institute PhD webpage . For full consideration for funded awards, please apply by Jan 31st 2026. Anticipated Start Date: October 2026 for 3.5 Years

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