About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences.
The Project
Machine learning algorithms are fast becoming an essential tool for maintaining or optimising the performance of particle accelerators. They can be used to develop surrogate models of the accelerator, which can then be used to provide a fast prediction of key performance metrics. These predictions are made based on a set of known input parameters, for example, magnet setpoints or environmental conditions. Machine learning algorithms can be used to spot patterns or grouping of data, or alternatively they can be used to develop ‘virtual diagnostic’ components. These predict what a real diagnostic instrument would see, as in many cases actual measurements are destructive to the beam and cannot be used during user time.
This project will study the application of machine learning tools to synchrotron light sources with the aim of optimising and stabilising the machine performance. The Diamond Light Source accelerator will be taken as a practical example. Specific topics to study include being able to predict and compensate for insertion device magnetic field changes on the lifetime, as well as adjusting steering magnet strengths to maintain high injection efficiency. The project is somewhat open-ended, as it is anticipated many more potential applications will be identified as the studies progress.
In this project the student will gain:
Further Information
Diamond Light Source Ltd holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award, demonstrating their commitment to provide equal opportunities and to advance the representation of women in STEM/M subjects: science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.
Diamond jointly funds around 15-20 studentships every year with a variety of collaborators from both academic institutions to industry partners. Students accepted onto these projects will be part of our yearly cohort intake and are supported by both their academic and Diamond supervisors, as well as a dedicated Student Engagement team based at Diamond.
Diamond studentships are typically 50% funded by Diamond and 50% by the partnering university institution (or 25% funded by Diamond if there is a third party collaborator). Students are therefore required to spend 50% of their studentship at Diamond, with most students relocating to the local area for this period. Support on suggested accomodation options are provided by Diamond.
Benefits of Diamond's jointly funded studentships
Further Information
If you have further questions please contact the Student Engagement team on diamond.students@diamond.ac.uk.
Further guidance for students can be found here as well as more information about life at Diamond found here.
This project is now closed for applications.
Or look at the John Adams Institute for Accelerator Science graduate admissions and list of available projects.
Diamond Light Source is the UK's national synchrotron science facility, located at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.
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Diamond House
Harwell Science & Innovation Campus
Didcot
Oxfordshire
OX11 0DE
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