The goal of the MIT program of research on high gradient acceleration is the development of advanced acceleration concepts that lead to a practical and affordable next generation linear collider at the TeV energy level. Other applications, which are more near-term, include accelerators for materials processing
medicine
defense
mining
security
and inspection. The specific goals of the MIT program are: ? Pioneering theoretical research on advanced structures for high gradient acceleration, including photonic structures and metamaterial structures
evaluation of the wakefields in these advanced structures ? Experimental research to demonstrate the properties of advanced structures both in low-power microwave cold test and high-power, high-gradient test at megawatt power levels ? Experimental research on microwave breakdown at high gradient including studies of breakdown phenomena induced by RF electric fields and RF magnetic fields
development of new diagnostics of the breakdown process ? Theoretical research on the physics and engineering features of RF vacuum breakdown ? Maintaining and improving the Haimson / MIT 17 GHz accelerator, the highest frequency operational accelerator in the world, a unique facility for accelerator research ? Providing the Haimson / MIT 17 GHz accelerator facility as a facility for outside users ? Active participation in the US DOE program of High Gradient Collaboration, including joint work with SLAC and with Los Alamos National Laboratory
participation of MIT students in research at the national laboratories ? Training the next generation of Ph. D. students in the field of accelerator physics.