Bayesian optimization of a free-electron laser

Abstract

The Linac Coherent Light Source changes configurations multiple times per day, necessitating fast tuning strategies to reduce setup time for successive experiments. To this end, we employ a Bayesian approach to transport optics tuning to optimize groups of quadrupole magnets. We use a Gaussian process to provide a probabilistic model of the machine response with respect to control parameters from a modest number of samples. Subsequent samples are selected during optimization using a statistical test combining the model prediction and uncertainty. The model parameters are fit from archived scans, and correlations between devices are added from a simple beam transport model. The result is a sample-efficient optimization routine, which we show significantly outperforms existing optimizers.