CERN Accelerator School Successfully Concludes Introduction to Accelerator Physics Course in Spain

CERN Accelerator School Successfully Concludes Introduction to Accelerator Physics Course in Spain

The CERN Accelerator School (CAS) has completed its intensive two-week Introduction to Accelerator Physics course in Santa Susanna, Spain, bringing together 94 participants from 32 countries for an immersive journey into accelerator science.

The residential course delivered comprehensive coverage of fundamental accelerator physics concepts through a blend of theoretical lectures and practical applications.

Poster session
Poster session. Picture: Noemi Caraban

Furthermore, participants engaged with advanced topics, including:

  • Collective Effects and their impact on beam dynamics
  • Non-Linear Beam Dynamics and complex particle interactions
  • Synchrotron Light sources & Free Electron Lasers (FELs)
  • Computational accelerator physics using Python programming
  • Cutting-edge accelerator concepts and research developments

The course structure, consisting of 45-50 minute lectures followed by interactive discussion sessions, encouraged deep engagement with complex topics. The poster session in the first week allowed participants to showcase their research and expertise.

A standout feature of the course was the extensive hands-on computational sessions, where participants mastered both transverse and longitudinal optics calculations using Python. These practical workshops allowed students to apply theoretical concepts directly, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world accelerator physics challenges.

Davide Gamba presenting Linear Imperfections
Lecturer Davide Gamba. Picture: Noemi Caraban

The diverse participant group included 30 CERN colleagues and 64 external attendees, representing universities, research laboratories, and accelerator equipment manufacturers worldwide. This international mix fostered valuable cross-cultural scientific

exchange and professional networking opportunities.

Participants gained firsthand experience through a technical visit to the ALBA Synchrotron facility. 

Beyond the technical curriculum, the course served as a crucial networking platform where emerging accelerator physicists and engineers established professional relationships that will benefit the field for years to come. The collaborative environment between students and expert lecturers created lasting connections within the global accelerator physics community.

This successful course is a continuation of CAS’s mission to advance accelerator science education worldwide, preparing the next generation of professionals to tackle the challenges and opportunities in particle acceleration technology.