ABSTRACT
We discuss a new model to study alternating-phase focusing (APF). Our approach is based on representing the accelerating electric field with a continuous phase modulated traveling wave. The resulting nonlinear equations of motion can be solved analytically to predict the regions of stable APF motion. We also identify the key parameters which adequately describe the physics of APF. The model is believed to be applicable to low-β ion linacs with short independently-controlled superconducting cavities being developed at ANL.
