The second workshop in the Charged Particles for Cancer Therapy (CP4CT) series, entitled “Cylindrically Symmetric Strong Focusing of Positive Particle Beams”, will take place at the Institute of Physics, London, on 11 September 2026 (10:00–17:00 BST) and is now open for registrations.
The unique properties of laser-driven proton and ion beams have the potential to transform particle beam therapy by enabling compact, automated, high-throughput treatment facilities. Realising this vision requires efficient methods for the capture, focusing, and transport of these beams. This workshop will provide an opportunity to review current developments in this area and to identify promising directions for future research.
The workshop will:
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Review the current state of the art in the capture, focusing, and transport of laser-driven proton and ion beams;
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Discuss the techniques that have been proposed to provide the strong, cylindrically symmetric focusing required for efficient beam capture and transport; and
- Identify promising approaches that could form the basis of collaborative efforts towards practical, sustainable, and cost-effective laser-driven proton and ion beam delivery systems for science, innovation, and cancer therapy.
The programme will comprise a series of overview presentations followed by small-group discussions on key topics. The outcomes of these discussions will inform a community White Paper outlining a strategy for the future development of laser-driven charged particle beams.
This workshop follows the first meeting in the series, International Strategic Review Workshop: What Will Be the Unique Advantages of Laser-Driven Charged Particles?, held at Imperial College London in February 2026. Future workshops in the series will address additional scientific and technological challenges associated with the LhARA initiative.
Further information, including the programme and registration, is available at: https://indico.stfc.ac.uk/event/1956/
Please feel free to circulate this announcement to colleagues who may be interested.
