Beam dynamics optimization and implementation of the control system at the STAR facility

This thesis presents an optimization-driven approach to beam dynamics at the STAR Inverse Compton Scattering source. Coupling a space-charge particle tracking framework (ASTRA) with a genetic-algorithm code (GIOTTO) enables the optimization of both beamline and electron beam parameters and the identification of operating settings that balance brightness, stability, and transport efficiency from the gun to the interaction point. The workflow determines operating configurations across STAR’s Low- and High-Energy lines and links offline optimization to operation through an EPICS/Phoebus control system migration and high-level applications for diagnostics, LLRF, magnets, and timing, establishing the basis for real-time, closed-loop tuning. These optimization studies provide baseline operational settings for commissioning, and the achieved S-band and C-band accelerating structures conditioning, beam generation, and transport, align with the model predictions. The study demonstrates faster tuning and improved stability, enabling robust beam dynamics optimization across varying operating conditions and providing a practical path toward increasingly automated operation at STAR.