Space Charge in Circular Machines

Abstract

Space charge forces, which arise directly from the beam's charge distribution and include the influence of image charges and currents induced by interactions with a perfectly conducting, smooth pipe, are very important in high-intensity, low-energy accelerators. These forces play a key role under various beam dynamics regimes, leading to effects such as energy spread, modifications of betatron tunes, and potential instabilities. This lecture will explore the fundamental characteristics of space charge effects in circular accelerators.