Abstract & Overview
We have conducted a multiobjective computational optimization of a high brightness, high average current photoinjector under development at Cornell University. This injector employs a dc photoemission electron gun. Using evolutionary algorithms combined with parallel computing resources, the multivariate parameter space of the photoinjector was explored for optimal values. This powerful computational tool allows an extensive study of complex and nonlinear systems such as the space-charge dominated regions of an accelerator, and has broad areas of potential application to accelerator physics and engineering problems. In the present case, the optimized injector is simulated to deliver beam of very high quality (e.g., a rms normalized emittance of 0.1 mm mrad for 0.1 nC, and 0.7 mm mrad for 1 nC bunches). The field strengths of the active elements of the injector are moderate and technically practical. The relevance of these results to various novel linac-based accelerator proposals is pointed out.