A Fast Way of Electron Orbit Simulation in Complex Magnetic Fields

Vertical cut through a quadrupole magnet: Black: Field distribution at a fixed vertical distance to the midplane. Magenta: Electron trajectories for various initial coordinates.

Vertical cut through a quadrupole magnet: Black: Field distribution at a fixed vertical distance to the midplane. Magenta: Electron trajectories for various initial coordinates. © C. Rethfeldt/HZB

The design  of  advanced synchrotron radiation sources requires precise  algorithms  for the  simulation of electron trajectories in  complex magnetic fields. However, multi-parameter studies can  be very time consuming. Now, a team of the HZB has developed a new algorithm which significantly reduces the computation time.  This approach is now published in the renowned journal “Physical Review Special Topics Accelerator & Beams”.

In a storage ring like BESSY II electrons circulate nearly with the speed of light passing complex magnetic structures. These magnets guide the electron beam and focus it on the ideal orbit. They are comparable to optical lenses which focus the light. To evaluate the stability of the electron trajectories in the magnetic fields, several thousands of turns need to be simulated.  After each revolution the trajectories are slightly different, passing the magnets at slightly different positions. These combined and complex orbit and field calculations require a precise algorithm which could easily result in time consuming simulations.

Already in 2011, a team out of the HZB undulator group and of the HZB-institute of accelerator physics has published  a first paper of a new simulation algorithm [2], which drastically speeds up the simulation time for trajectories in complex undulator fields. This simulation routine was implemented into the public domain code “elegant“ of the Advanced Photon source / Argonne, and it is available, worldwide.

Now, Malte Titze together with Johannes Bahrdt and Godehard Wüstefeld could extend this method to another important class of  three dimensional magnets: multipoles such as  quadrupoles or sextupoles  [1].

“The paper demonstrates, that this method yields very precise results, particularly within the fast changing fringing fields of the magnets”, Malte Titze explains. He is now engaged in research activities at CERN. “Such simulation methods are of great  interest for future light sources, especially for diffraction limited storage rings, which may include combined function magnets and exhibit significant cross talking between neighboring magnets” comments Johannes Bahrdt. “This is of clear relevance for a successor of BESSY II”. The scientists describe their methods in the renowned journal of “Physical Review Special Topics Accelerator & Beams“.


[1] M. Titze, J. Bahrdt, G. Wüstefeld, „Symplectic tracking through straight three dimensional fields by a method of generating functions“

DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevAccelBeams.19.014001

[2] J. Bahrdt, G. Wüstefeld, “Symplectic tracking and compensation of dynamic field integrals in complex undulator structures”, Phys. Rev. ST Accel. Beams 14, 040703 (2011).

arö

  • Copy link

You might also be interested in

  • Porous Radical Organic framework improves lithium-sulphur batteries
    Science Highlight
    15.09.2025
    Porous Radical Organic framework improves lithium-sulphur batteries
    A team led by Prof. Yan Lu, HZB, and Prof. Arne Thomas, Technical University of Berlin, has developed a material that enhances the capacity and stability of lithium-sulphur batteries. The material is based on polymers that form a framework with open pores (known as radical-cationic covalent organic frameworks or COFs). Catalytically accelerated reactions take place in these pores, firmly trapping polysulphides, which would shorten the battery life. Some of the experimental analyses were conducted at the BAMline at BESSY II.
  • Metallic nanocatalysts: what really happens during catalysis
    Science Highlight
    10.09.2025
    Metallic nanocatalysts: what really happens during catalysis
    Using a combination of spectromicroscopy at BESSY II and microscopic analyses at DESY's NanoLab, a team has gained new insights into the chemical behaviour of nanocatalysts during catalysis. The nanoparticles consisted of a platinum core with a rhodium shell. This configuration allows a better understanding of structural changes in, for example, rhodium-platinum catalysts for emission control. The results show that under typical catalytic conditions, some of the rhodium in the shell can diffuse into the interior of the nanoparticles. However, most of it remains on the surface and oxidises. This process is strongly dependent on the surface orientation of the nanoparticle facets.
  • Key technology for a future without fossil fuels
    Interview
    21.08.2025
    Key technology for a future without fossil fuels
    In June and July 2025, catalyst researcher Nico Fischer spent some time at HZB. It was his sabbatical, he was relieved of his duties as Director of the Catalysis Institute in Cape Town for several months and was able to focus on research only. His institute is collaborating with HZB on two projects that aim to develop environmentally friendly alternatives using innovative catalyst technologies. The questions were asked by Antonia Rötger, HZB.