Accelerator Physics
Source: https://www.su.se/english/education/course-catalogue/fk/fk7055?semester=VT2026&eventcode=47091 Parent: https://www.su.se/english/education/course-catalogue?q=&internationalStudents=%5B%22true%22%5D&forcedReasonCode=%5B%220%22%5D
Accelerators are important tools in many areas of basic physics research, but also in industrial and medical applications. In this course, you learn about the function and use of accelerators in a manner where your prior knowledge from your previous physics courses is put into use.
One laboratory exercise in the accelerator physics course is performed at the ion storage ring DESIREE at Albanova.
In this course you learn about the technical components of accelerators and their physical working principles. Such components include electromagnets, radio frequency systems, vacuum equipment, ion sources and beam diagnostic tools. Charged particle beam dynamics (transversally and longitudinally) is discussed. You get an overview of circular and linear accelerators and their applications examplified by colliders, cyclotrons, synchrotron light sources, free electron lasers, ion traps and storage rings.
Specific accelerator facilities with a Swedish connection are discussed, such as MAX I-IV, ESS, XFEL, FAIR, LHC och DESIREE. A particular discussion of cancer therapy facilities such as the Skandion Clinic in Uppsala is also included.
Course structure
This is a second cycle course given at half speed during daytime. This course can also be taken as a third cycle course. The course is given in English.
Teaching Format
Lectures twice a week introduce you to the different subjects. In home assignments you connect the material you learn to an existing accelerator of your choice. At the end of the course all students give a presentation about their accelerator. In laboratory exercises you get introduced to accelerator components (one at the ion storage ring DESIREE) and in a computational exercise you learn how simulate charged particle beams.
Assessment
The examination consists of homework problems, written reports, oral presentation and oral exam.
Examiner
Henning Schmidt
Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
Klaus Wille: The Physics of Particle Accelerators
Course reports
Course reports are displayed for the three most recent course instances.
Contact
Course coordinator
Fredrik Hellberg, phone: 08 5573 8133, e-mail: fredrik.hellberg@fysik.su.se
Academic advisor
Student office
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Spring 2026 | Period 2 | Day-time, 50% | On campus | For international students
7.5 credits
Spring 2026
Period 2Day-time, 50%On campusFor international students
Beginning/EndPlease view course schedule for exact dates
week commencing
22/03/2026 - 06/06/2026
Closed for application
Information about late applicationApplies only to certain courses
Course code: FK7055
Application code: SU-47091
Level
Master's level
Language
English
Eligibility
Admission to the course requires knowledge equivalent to passed courses (excluding introductory courses) of 45 credits in mathematics and 60 credits in physics, where the courses Quantum Mechanics, 7.5 credits (FK5020) and Electromagnetism and Waves, 7.5 credits (FK5019) should be included. Additionally, requires knowledge equivalent to at least one of the courses Atomic and Molecular Physics, 7.5 credits (FK5023) or Nuclear and Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology, 7.5 credits (FK5024). Finally, requires knowledge equivalent to upper secondary school English B/English 6.
Selection
Higher Education Credits (up to 270).
Tuition fee
Applies to citizens from outside EU, EEA or Switzerland. First instalment: 17500 SEK. The complete course: 17500 SEK.
More information on tuition fees
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