Linear particle accelerators accelerate particles using gradients in the electric field. Plasma wakefield accelerators generate gradients that are several orders of magnitude higher than those in conventional linear particle accelerators, which significantly reduces the required size and thus enables affordable and compact accelerators for various applications. The high electric fields require high plasma density. Helicon discharges are known to provide the highest densities of linear geometries. The PROMETHEUS-A prototype experiment developed in Greifswald has already generated the required high density. The physics of helicon discharges at this high density differs from that of conventional helicon discharges. Based on code developments in Stuttgart, we will develop a code to understand wave propagation and absorbtion, interaction with gradients, and the effects of the boundaries. Initially, the code will be developed with the help of comparisons with experiments at conventional plasma densities (VINETA.75 in Greifswald), and later with experiments at high densities (PROMETHEUS-A now at CERN). Finally, the code can be used to optimize helicon discharges with regard to the plasma density requirements of particle-driven wakefield accelerators.

This is a joint project with IGVP Stuttgart and is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Principle investigators:

Dr. Alf Köhn-Seemann (Stuttgart) and Prof. Dr. Peter Manz (Greifswald)

Researchers and PhD students employed on the project:

Luis Carlos Herrera Queseda (Stuttgart), Oliver Lass (12/2023-04/2024, Greifswald), Dr. Nils Fahrenkamp (since 08/2025, Greifswald)

Contributors and cooperation partners:

Dr. Nils Fahrenkamp (until 08/2025, Greifswald), Dr. Stefan Knauer (Greifswald), Prof. Dr. Olaf Grulke (IPP), Prof. Dr. Oliver Schmitz (UWM), Prof. Dr. Günter Tovar (Stuttgart)

Student participation in the project:

Paul Pankow (Greifswald), Johannes Condoi (Greifswald), Andre Elvers (Greifswald)