Speaker
Description
The use of numerical models for beam dynamics studies is an essential step in the design process of particle accelerators. These studies demand precise simulation tools describing the movement of the particles subjected to external fields and the interactions with other particles, either within the beam or between the beam and the wall. All these present modeling challenges. Many computer models have been developed for this purpose, some of them with particular attention to cyclotron-like accelerators: Classical and Isochronous Cyclotrons, Synchrocyclotrons, and Fixed Field Alternating Gradient (FFA) machines. OPAL (Object-Oriented Parallel Accelerator Library), an open-source Particle-In-Cell (PIC) code developed for large-scale charged-particle optics simulations in accelerators and beam lines, is one of the most complete and versatile codes. In this talk, I aim to present a general introduction of OPAL, followed by the new features available in the last release version. I will also discuss plans within the developer workflow and comments addressing the challenges ahead, like more precise modeling needs and the new exascale computing facilities.
