Selected Research Projects

The EPA team conducts experimental research on plasma-based accelerators and related technologies, including the development of plasma sources, diagnostics, and pulsed power systems.

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Discharge Plasma Sources for Particle Accelerators

Development of long and high-repetition-rate discharge plasma sources for particle accelerator applications, with a focus on stability, reproducibility, and scalability.

This research includes contributions to the AWAKE experiment at CERN, namely the development of length-scalable Discharge Plasma Sources (DPS) in collaboration with CERN and Imperial College London.

Funding: FCT (2024.00263.CERN)

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Laser Wakefield Accelerator Targets

Design and development of gas cells and gas targets for laser wakefield accelerators, including thermally controlled systems for improved beam control and quality.

Funding: FCT (2022.06871.PTDC)

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Pulsed Power Systems for Plasma Sources

Research and development of compact and reliable pulsed power systems for discharge plasma sources, covering high-voltage switching, repetition rate optimization, and system integration.

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Diagnostics for Plasma-Based Accelerators

Development and application of diagnostics for plasma density, discharge characterization, and beam–plasma interaction studies in plasma accelerator experiments.