Theses

Information about completed PhD theses.

Completed PhD Theses

The Cockcroft Institute offers a number of PhD projects every year covering analytical, numerical and experimental studies in the design and optimization of particle accelerators and related technologies. For more information please have a look at current PhD vacancies 

Theses

2023

Felix Soubelet (PhD), ‘Local Interaction Region Coupling Corrections for the LHC’, supervisors: Carsten Welsch and Javier Resta Lopez (University of Liverpool)

Gyanendra Yadav (PhD),‘Dielectric laser acceleration of relativistic electrons and beam driven THz radiation’, supervisor: Carsten Welsch (University of Liverpool)

Shivaji Pande (PhD), ‘Study of vacuum trips in Diamond Light Source SRF cavities’, supervisor: Prof Graeme Burt (Lancaster University)

Liam Soomary (PhD), ‘The Development and Performance Characterisation of High-Brightness Photocathode Electron Sources for Particle Accelerators’, Lee Jones (ASTeC) and Carsten Welsch (University of Liverpool)

Ruth Peacock (PhD), ‘Experimental Investigation of Vacuum Breakdown Triggering Mechanisms in a DC Electrode System‘, supervisors: Dr Walter Wuensch (CERN) and Prof Graeme Burt (Lancaster University)

Monika Yadav (PhD), ‘Modelling betatron radiation for diagnostics at FACET-II using machine learning algorithms’, supervisors: Prof Carsten Welsch and Dr Oznur Apsimon (University of Liverpool)

Bruno Galante (PhD), ‘Characterization studies of carbon nanotubes as cold electron field emitters for electron cooling applications in the Extra Low ENergy Antiproton (ELENA) ring at CERN’, supervisors: Dr Gerard Tranquille (CERN) and Prof Carsten P Welsch (University of Liverpool)

Steve Padden (PhD), ‘Complete end-to-end simulations of antiproton transport, degrading and early trapping’, supervisors: Prof Carsten Welsch, Dr Petteri Pusa and Dr Egidijus Kukstas (University of Liverpool)

2022

Amelia Edward (PhD), ‘X-Band LLRF Developments for High Power CLIC Test Stands and Waveguide Interferometry for Phase Stabilisation’ supervisors: Dr Amor Dexter (Lancaster University) and Dr Nuria Catalan Lasheras (CERN)

Selina Dhinsey (PhD), ‘The Modelling and Analysis of Comet Assay Data’, supervisors: Prof Tim Greenshaw and Prof Carsten Welsch (University of Liverpool)

Aravinda Perera (PhD), ‘Seeded Self-Modulation of Elliptical Beams in Plasma Wakefields’, supervisors: Dr Javier Resta-Lopez, Dr Oznur Apsimon and Prof Carsten Welsch (University of Liverpool)

Francesco Martina (PhD), ‘Radiation Tolerant Acquisition System for Beam Loss Monitoring at High–Luminosity LHC’, James Bradley (University of Liverpool, EEE), Carsten Welsch (University of Liverpool) and Christos Zamantzas (CERN)

Joe Crone (PhD), ‘Design and Optimisation of High-Energy Inverse Compton Scattering Sources Driven by Multi-Pass Energy Recovery Linacs’, supervisors: Dr Hywel Owen, Dr Bruno Muratori, Dr Peter Williams (ASTeC) and Dr William Bertsche from University of Manchester

Amir Salehi Lashkajani (PhD), ‘Supersonic gas jet-based beam profile monitor using beam-induced fluorescence’, supervisors: Hao Zhang and C.P. Welsch (University of Liverpool)

Benjamin Hounsell (PhD), ‘Design and optimisation of the PERLE injector’, supervisors: M. Klein and C.P. Welsch (University of Liverpool), W. Kaabi (IJCLab),  B. Militsyn (Daresbury Laboratory)

Thomas Primidis (PhD), ‘Design and optimisation of ultra-compact, high-resolution, 3D X-ray imaging systems’, supervisors: C.P. Welsch and J. Resta-Lopez (University of Liverpool)

Louise Cowie (PhD), ‘Normal Conducting RF structure development for CLARA‘, primary supervisor: G. Burt (University of Lancaster)

Bianca Veglia (PhD), ‘Beam Stability and Life Time in Low Energy Storage Rings’, supervisors: J. Resta-Lopez, A. Farricker and C. P. Welsch (University of Liverpool)

Gustavo Pérez-Segurana (PhD), ‘Longitudinal Beam Dynamics and Longitudinal Matches in Energy Recovery Linacs’, primary supervisor, P. Williams (ASTeC)

2021

Jacob Kelly (PhD), ‘A Superconducting Cyclotron for the Production of 70 MeV Protons’, supervisors: H. Owen (ASTeC), R. Jones (University of Manchester), A. Kacperek (formerly Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, now UCL) and T. Antaya (Antaya Science and Technology)

Lee Millar (PhD), ‘Operation of Multiple Accelerating Structures in an X-Band High-Gradient Test Stand’, primary supervisor: G. Burt (Lancaster University)

Laurence Nix (PhD), ‘Design of a High-Power 48GHz Gyroklystron Amplifier for Accelerator Applications’, primary supervisor: A. Cross (University of Strathclyde)

David Pavel Juarez-Lopez (PhD), ‘Characterisation of High–Performance Electron Sources for Particle Accelerators using a Transverse Energy Spread Spectrometer’, supervisors: L. Jones (ASTeC), T. Noakes (ASTeC) and C. P. Welsch (University of Liverpool)

Lina Hoummi (PhD), ‘Study and Optimisation of the nonlinear 6D dynamics of an electron beam in an ultra-low emittance storage ring’, supervisors: R. Nagaoka (SOLEIL), J. Resta-Lopez (University of Liverpool) and C. P. Welsch (University of Liverpool)

Jacinta Yap (PhD), ‘Characterisation Studies of Proton Beamlines for Medical Applications and Beam Diagnostics Integration’, supervisors: J. Resta-Lopez, J. Parsons and C. P. Welsch (University of Liverpool)

2020

Roland Schnuerer (PhD), ‘Non-invasive, silicon-based beam monitor for medical accelerators’, primary supervisor: C. P. Welsch, University of Liverpool

Barney Williamson (PhD), ‘Electron Beam Dynamics in a Proton-driven Plasma Wakefield’, primary supervisor: G. Xia, University of Manchester

Yuan Zhao (PhD), ‘Compact Gamma-ray Sources via Laser-Plasma Interaction’, primary supervisor: G. Xia, University of Manchester

Eleftherios Skordis (PhD), ‘Radiation impact of collimation beam losses in the LHC and HL-LHC’, primary supervisor: C. P. Welsch, University of Liverpool

2019

Joseph Wolfenden (PhD), ‘Novel radiometric imaging diagnostics for charged particle beams’, primary supervisor: C. P. Welsch, University of Liverpool

Yangmei Li (PhD), ‘Studies of Proton Driven Plasma Wakefield Acceleration’, primary supervisor: G. Xia, University of Manchester

Thomas Pacey (PhD), ‘Development of Novel Applications of Dielectric Wakefield Structures for Electron Accelerators’, primary supervisor: G. Xia, University of Manchester

James Hunt (PhD), ‘Beam Quality Characterisation and the Optimisation of Next Generation Antimatter’, primary supervisor: C. P. Welsch, University of Liverpool

Taaj Sian (PhD), ‘Low SEY Surfaces for Future Particle Accelerators’, primary supervisor: G. Xia, University of Manchester

2018

Maria Kastriotou (PhD), ‘Optimisation of storage rings and RF accelerators via advanced optical fibre-bas’, primary supervisor: C. P. Welsch, University of Liverpool

Yelong Wei (PhD), ‘Investigations Into Dual-Grating Dielectric Laser-Driven Accelerators’, primary supervisor: C. P. Welsch, University of Liverpool

Matthew Cliffe (PhD), ‘Generation of Longitudinally Polarised Terahertz Radiation for the Energy Manipulation of Relativistic Electron Beams’, primary supervisor: D. Graham, University of Manchester

Miguel Fernandes (PhD), ‘Squid based cryogenic current comparator for measuring low-intensity antiproton beams’, primary supervisor: C. P. Welsch, University of Liverpool

2017

Thomasz Cybulski (PhD), ‘A Non-Invasive Beam Current Monitor for a Medical Accelerator’, primary supervisor: C. P. Welsch, University of Liverpool

Alessio Mereghetti (PhD), ‘SPS scrapers and beam dynamics’, primary supervisor: R. Appleby, University of Manchester

Alexandra Alexandrova (PhD), ‘Investigation into laser self-mixing or accelerator applications’, primary supervisor: C. P. Welsch, University of Liverpool

Matthew Crouch (PhD), ‘Beam-beam dynamics in the LHC’, primary supervisor: R. Appleby, University of Manchester

Vasileios Tzoganis (PhD), ‘Investigations into Ion Beam Emittance and Profile Monitoring’, primary supervisor: C. P. Welsch, University of Liverpool

Andrew Green (PhD), ‘Computational Techniques for fast Monte Carlo Validation of Proton Therapy Treatment Plans’,  primary supervisor: H. Owen, University of Manchester

Kieran Hanahoe (PhD), ‘Simulation studies of plasma Wakefield acceleration’ , primary supervisor: G. Xia, University of Manchester

Liangliang Shi (PhD), ‘Higher-Order-Mode-based Beam Phase and Beam Position Measurements in Superconducting Accelerating Cavities at the European XFEL’, primary supervisor: R. Jones, University of Manchester

Aaron Farricker (PhD), ‘Higher Order Modes and Beam Dynamics at The European Spallation Source’, primary supervisor: R. Jones, University of Manchester

2016

Lee Devlin (PhD), ‘Studies towards an enhanced understanding of Electron Beams and their Diagnostics’, primary supervisor: C. P. Welsch, University of Liverpool

Lee Robert Carver (PhD), ‘Studies on Multi-Harmonic Collinear Accelerating Structures for High Gradient Applications’, primary supervisor: R. Jones, University of Manchester

James Jones (PhD), ‘Design of a Novel Stacked Storage Ring for Low Emittance Light Sources’, primary supervisor: H. Owen, University of Manchester

2015

Aiden Peakman (PhD), ‘Development of a Long-Life Core for Commercial Marine Propulsion’, primary supervisor: H. Owen, University of Manchester

Alejandro Sosa (PhD), ‘Development of Beam Instrumentation for Exotic Particle Beams’, primary supervisor: C. P. Welsch, University of Liverpool

Giacomo Manessi (PhD),‘Development of advanced radiation monitors for pulsed neutron fields‘, primary supervisor: C.P. Welsch, University of Liverpool

Aiden Peakman  (PhD), Development of a Long-Life Core for Commercial Marine Propulsion, primary supervisor: H. Owen, University of Manchester

Nick Shipman (PhD), Experimental Study Of DC Vacuum Breakdown And Application To High-Gradient Accelerating Structures For CLIC, primary supervisor: R.M. Jones, University of Manchester

Anthony Carr (PhD), An Exploration of the Effects of Radiation Reaction on Waves Propagating Through a Warm Plasma’, primary supervisor: D. Burton, Lancaster University http://eprints.lancs.ac.uk/74695/

James Mitchell (BEng), Radiotherapy Linac Design’, primary supervisor: G. Burt, Lancaster University james_mitchell_masters_thesis

Ayash Alrashdi (PhD) ‘Studies in Positron and Gamma Ray Production for Future Facilities’, primary supervisor I. Bailey, Lancaster University ayash_alrashdi_thesis

Michael Jenkins (PhD) ‘Novel Designs for Undulator-Based Positron Sources’, primary supervisor I. Bailey, Lancaster University michael_jenkins_thesis

David Dunning (PhD) ‘Methods for the Generation of Ultra-Short Free-Electron Laser Pulses’, primary supervisor B. McNeil, Strathclyde University david_dunning_thesis

2014

James Molson (PhD), HL-LHC collimation upgrade‘, primary supervisor: R.B. Appleby, University of Manchester https://www.escholar.manchester.ac.uk/uk-ac-man-scw:239847

David Brett (PhD), Precision element modelling for long term tracking in the LHC luminosity upgrade‘, primary supervisor: R.B. Appleby, University of Manchester https://www.escholar.manchester.ac.uk/uk-ac-man-scw:226908

Nicholas Shipman (PhD), Experimental Study of DC Vacuum Breakdown and Application to High-Gradient Accelerating Structures for CLIC’, primary supervisor: R.M. Jones, University of Manchester https://www.escholar.manchester.ac.uk/jrul/item/?pid=uk-ac-man-scw:260006

Stephen P. Flood (PhD), Exploring the Edges of Electromagnetism using Extreme Fields, primary supervisor: D. Burton, Lancaster University stephen_flood_thesis

Matthew McCormack (PhD), Propagation of Electromagnetic Waves in Spatially Dispersive Inhomogeneous Media, primary supervisor: J. Gratus, Lancaster University

2013

Mark Ibison (PhD), ‘ALICE tomography section: phase-space measurements and analysis’, primary supervisor: K. Hock, University of Liverpool http://repository.liv.ac.uk/13193/

Adam Jeff (PhD),Longitudinal Density Monitor for the LHC’, primary supervisor: C.P. Welsch, University of Liverpool http://repository.liv.ac.uk/9293/

Janusz Harasimowicz (PhD), Development of Instrumentation for Low Energy Beams‘, primary supervisor: C.P. Welsch, University of Liverpool http://repository.liv.ac.uk/11953/

James Garland (PhD), Beam Dynamics Studies of the EMMA Linear Non-Scaling FFAG, primary supervisor: H. Owen, University of Manchester https://www.escholar.manchester.ac.uk/uk-ac-man-scw:216851

Luke Thompson (PhD), Beam Dynamics and Interaction Regions for the LHeC and HL-LHC‘, primary supervisor: R.B. Appleby, University of Manchester https://www.escholar.manchester.ac.uk/uk-ac-man-scw:209299

Hugo Day (PhD), Measurements  And Simulations Of Impedance Reduction Techniques In Accelerators, primary supervisor: R.M. Jones,  University of Manchester https://www.escholar.manchester.ac.uk/uk-ac-man-scw:202407

Pei Zhang (PhD), ‘Beam Position Diagnostics With Higher Order Modes In Superconducting Accelerating Cavities‘, primary supervisor: R.M. Jones, University of Manchester https://www.escholar.manchester.ac.uk/uk-ac-man-scw:185167

Haibao Wen (PhD), Aspects of High Field Theory in Relativistic Plasmas, primary supervisor: D. Burton, Lancaster University haibao_wen_thesis

Alison Hale (PhD), ‘Energy Spectra from Electromagnetic Fields Generated by Ultra-relativistic Charged Bunches in a Perfectly Conducting Cylindrical Beam Pipe’, primary supervisor: R. Tucker, Lancaster University

2012

Angela Intermite (PhD), ‘Development of a beam loss monitor using the Cherenkov Effect in optical fibres, primary supervisor: A. Wolski, University of Liverpool http://repository.liv.ac.uk/9733/

David Holder (PhD), ‘Studies toward a demonstration of relativistic electron beam energy modulation by interaction with terahertz radiation in free space’, primary supervisor: A. Wolski, University of Liverpool http://repository.liv.ac.uk/11193/

Massimiliano Putignano (PhD), Supersonic Gas-Jet Based Beam Profile Monitor, primary supervisor: C.P. Welsch, University of Liverpool http://repository.liv.ac.uk/9313/

Tobias Junginger (PhD), Investigations of the surface resistance of superconducting materials‘, primary supervisor: C.P. Welsch, University of Liverpool

Sam Tygier (PhD), ‘High Current Proton Fixed-Field Alternating-Gradient Accelerator Designs’, primary supervisor: H. Owen, University of Manchester https://www.escholar.manchester.ac.uk/uk-ac-man-scw:153597

Nawin Juntong (PhD), Investigation Of Optimised Electromagnetic Fields In SEF Cavities For The ILC, primary supervisor: R.M. Jones, University of Manchester https://www.escholar.manchester.ac.uk/uk-ac-man-scw:153940

Narong Chanlek (PhD), Quantum Efficiency Lifetime Studies Using The Photocathode Preparation Experimental Facility Developed For The Alice Accelerator, primary supervisor: R.M. Jones, University of Manchester https://www.escholar.manchester.ac.uk/uk-ac-man-scw:146224

Michael Salt (PhD), Interaction Point Backgrounds from the CLIC Post Collision Line’, primary supervisor: R.B. Appleby, University of Manchester https://www.escholar.manchester.ac.uk/uk-ac-man-scw:181302

Christopher Glasman (PhD), ‘Long Range Wakefields Due To High Gradient Cavity Designs And Beam Dynamics Studies At Future Linear Colliders ‘, primary supervisor: R.M. Jones, University of Manchester https://www.escholar.manchester.ac.uk/uk-ac-man-scw:180977

Matthew Fraser (PhD), ‘Beam Dynamics Studies of the ISOLDE Post-accelerator for the High Intensity and Energy Upgrade’, primary supervisor: R.M. Jones, University of Manchester https://www.escholar.manchester.ac.uk/uk-ac-man-scw:155665

Abiola O. Oladipo (PhD), Dipole Photonic Resonators and Analogs of Matter’, primary supervisor: R. Seviour, Lancaster University

Michael R. Ferris (PhD), Problems in point charge electrodynamics, primary supervisor: J. Gratus, Lancaster University

Ben Hall (PhD), Designing the Four Rod Crab Cavity for the High-Luminosity LHC upgrade’, primary supervisor: G. Burt, Lancaster University

2011

Marcel Schuh (PhD), Study of Higher Order Modes in Superconducting Accelerating Structures for Linac Applications‘, primary supervisor: C.P. Welsch, University of Liverpool

Anthony Scarfe (PhD), ILC alignment and tuning and ATF2‘, primary supervisor: R.B. Appleby, University of Manchester https://www.escholar.manchester.ac.uk/uk-ac-man-scw:143615

Vasim Khan (PhD), A Damped And Detuned Accelerating Structure For The Main Linacs Of The Compact Linear Collider, primary supervisor: R.M. Jones, University of Manchester https://www.escholar.manchester.ac.uk/uk-ac-man-scw:122208

Jonathan D.A. Smith (PhD), Calculations of Collimator Wakefield Phenomena, primary supervisor: D. Burton, Lancaster University

2010

Larisa Malysheva (PhD), ‘Numerical Investigation of Spin Dynamics Problems in Linear and Circular Accelerators’, primary supervisor: J. Dainton, University of Liverpool

Lei Zang (PhD), ‘Study and optimisation of undulator-based polarised positron sources for linear colliders’, primary supervisor: A. Wolski, University of Liverpool http://repository.liv.ac.uk/1445/

Christopher Lingwood (PhD), ‘High Power High Efficiency Multiple-Beam Klystron Design’, primary supervisor: R. Carter, Lancaster University

2009

Christopher Hill (PhD), ‘Experimental Study of Multipactor Discharges in a Klystron Cavity Resonator’, primary supervisor: R. Carter, University of Lancaster

2008

Duncan J. Scott (PhD), ‘An Investigation into the Design of the Helical Undulator for the International Linear Collider Positron Source’, primary supervisor: T. Greenshaw, University of Liverpool

Fay E. Hannon (PhD), ‘A High Average-Current Electron Source for the Jefferson Laboratory Free Electron Laser’, primary supervisor: R. Carter, Lancaster University fay_hannon_thesis

M. Imran Tahir(PhD), ‘Frequency and Phase Locking of CW Magnetron’, primary supervisor: A. Dexter, Lancaster University imran_tahir_thesis

2004

Adriana Bungau (PhD), ‘Simulation Studies for the Collimation System in the TESLA Beam Delivery System’, primary supervisor: R. Barlow, University of Manchester http://www.hep.man.ac.uk/theses/AdrianaBungau.pdf

Philippe Goudket (PhD), ‘A Study of Multipacting in Rectangular Waveguide Geometries’, primary supervisor: R. Carter, Lancaster University

2003

Richard Jenkins (PhD), ‘High Linearity Broad-band Helix TWTs’, primary supervisor: R. Carter, Lancaster University richard_jenkins_thesis

2002

Tushar K. Ghosh (PhD), ‘Three Dimensional Modelling and Optimisation of Multistage Collectors’, primary supervisor: R. Carter, Lancaster University