High repetition rate optimisation and control of laser-driven radiation sources

该项目旨在通过开发和应用一种新的机器学习平台，采取重大步骤来解决优化、稳定和控制激光与固体相互作用中的粒子和辐射产生的挑战。具体目标是：-研究机器学习驱动的优化技术(贝叶斯优化，神经网络)在激光等离子体辐射源优化中的应用。-开发和测试基于激光-等离子体相互作用物理的粒子细胞模拟的新的机器学习平台。-使用350TW的Scapa激光器(在Strathclyde的内部)和卢瑟福·阿普尔顿实验室的EPAC激光设施实施并演示新方法，使用直接实验反馈和模拟生成的代理模型来优化激光驱动的辐射源。学生将首先获得激光-等离子体相互作用物理、数值模拟、机器学习技术和实验实施技能的知识。项目将继续进行，学生将使用机器学习技术和细胞中粒子模拟的组合来研究激光驱动的辐射源的优化。确定和测试使用的最佳方法将是该项目的一部分。这将有助于为实验演示提供加强控制和优化的可行性。然后，机器学习方法将被应用于使用350TW SCAPA激光器和新的EPAC激光器的现场实验。在该项目中，学生将为计划在SCAPA光束线掩体B目标站进行的几个实验活动做出贡献，以优化高重复频率激光驱动离子源。学生将在实验的计划和实施中发挥关键作用。此外，学生将参与与DSTL研究人员在外部研究设施(如中央激光设备)进行的协作实验。

The project aims to take major steps towards addressing the challenge to optimise, stabilise and control particle and radiation generation in laser-solid interactions via the development and application of a new machine-learning platform. The specific objectives are to: -Investigate the application of machine learning driven optimisation techniques (Bayesian optimisation, Neural Networks) to the optimisation of laser-plasma radiation sources. -Develop and test a new machine learning platform based on particle in cell simulations of the laser-plasma interaction physics.-Implement and demonstrate the new approach using the 350TW SCAPA laser (in-house at Strathclyde) and at EPAC laser facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, using direct experimental feedback and a simulation generated surrogate model to optimise laser-driven radiation sources. The student will begin by acquiring knowledge of laser-plasma interaction physics, numerical simulations, machine learning techniques and experimental implementation skills. The project will continue with the student investigating the optimisation of laser-driven radiation sources using a combination of machine learning techniques and particle in cell simulations. Identifying and testing the best approach to use will be part of the project. This will help inform the feasibility of enhanced control and optimisation for experimental demonstration. The machine learning approach will then be applied to a live experiment using the 350TW SCAPA laser, and if available, the new EPAC laser.During the project, the student to contribute to be several experimental campaigns planned to be conducted at the SCAPA beamlines Bunker B target station, on the optimisation of a high repetition rate laser-driven ion source. The student will take a key role in the planning and delivery of the experiment. Additionally, the student will participate in collaborative experiments with DSTL researchers at external research facilities, such as the Central Laser Facility.