An Introduction to Beam Physics covers the principles and applications of
differential algebra, a powerful new mathematical tool. The authors discuss the
uses for the computation of transfer maps for all kinds of particle accelerators
or any weakly nonlinear dynamical system, such as planetary orbits. The book is
of interest to graduate students and researchers working in a broad range of
disciplines, including applied mathematics, beam physics (accelerator physics,
particle optics, geometric light optics), astronomy, and electrical engineering.
Topics covered include transfer matrices, mechanics and electrodynamics,
nonlinear motion, differential algebra, the structure of the classes, computer
implementations, nonlinear maps, one pass systems, and repetitive systems.