NALA: Not Another Lattice Architecture

NALA is a Python package for describing, simulating, and controlling particle accelerator lattices. It provides a standardized, extensible data model for elements, sections, layouts, and full machine models.

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Architecture Overview

NALA organizes accelerator elements using a hierarchical structure:

Element Structure

• baseElement: Core identification (name, hardware_class, hardware_type, machine_area)
• Element: Extends with simulation, controls, electrical, manufacturer info
• PhysicalBaseElement: Adds position, rotation, length, error, survey

Lattice Structure

• ElementList: Container for elements
• SectionLattice: Ordered list of elements (a section of the beamline)
• MachineLayout: Sequence of sections (a full beam path)
• MachineModel: All layouts, sections, and elements (the full accelerator)

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Quick Examples

Create a Basic Element

from nala.models.element import baseElement

element = baseElement(
    name="QUAD-01",
    hardware_class="Magnet",
    hardware_type="Quadrupole",
    machine_area="LINAC-1"
)
print(element.name)  # "QUAD-01"

Element with Physical Properties

from nala.models.element import PhysicalBaseElement
from nala.models.physical import PhysicalElement, Position

cavity = PhysicalBaseElement(
    name="CAV-01",
    hardware_class="RF",
    hardware_type="Cavity",
    machine_area="LINAC-1",
    physical=PhysicalElement(
        length=1.0,
        middle=Position(x=0, y=0, z=5.0)
    )
)
print(cavity.physical.length)  # 1.0

Create a Section Lattice

from nala.models.elementList import SectionLattice, ElementList

section = SectionLattice(
    name="INJECTOR",
    order=["BPM-01", "QUAD-01"],
    elements=ElementList(elements={
        "BPM-01": element,
        "QUAD-01": cavity
    })
)
print(section.names)  # ["BPM-01", "QUAD-01"]

Build a Machine Layout

from nala.models.elementList import MachineLayout

layout = MachineLayout(
    name="MainBeamline",
    sections={"INJECTOR": section}
)
print(layout.names)  # ["INJECTOR"]

Full Machine Model

from nala.models.elementList import MachineModel

model = MachineModel(
    elements={"QUAD-01": element, "CAV-01": cavity}
)
print(list(model.sections.keys()))  # ["LINAC-1"]

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Translator Module

NALA includes a translator system for exporting accelerator models to various simulation codes, such as ASTRA, GPT, Elegant, CSRTrack, Ocelot, Xsuite, Wake-T, and Genesis.

• Translate individual elements, sections, layouts, or full machine models.
• Export to code-specific formats and objects.
• Automatically manage drift spaces, field maps, and code-specific configuration.

Example: Export a section to Elegant and Ocelot

from nala.translator.converters.section import SectionLatticeTranslator

translator = SectionLatticeTranslator.from_section(section)
translator.directory = "./output"

elegant_string = translator.to_elegant(charge=1e-9)
ocelot_lattice = translator.to_ocelot(save=True)

See the Translator documentation for details and more examples.

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Features

• Hierarchical lattice structure: elements → sections → layouts → machine
• Flexible element definition: physical, simulation, controls, electrical, manufacturer
• Extensible API: add new element types and metadata
• Simulation & controls integration: store simulation parameters and control variables
• Export to simulation codes via the Translator module

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Installation

Install NALA from PyPI:

pip install nala-accelerator

Or add to your requirements.txt:

nala-accelerator

Documentation

• Element Definition
• Lattice Structure
• Translator Module
• Examples

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Contributing

Issues and pull requests are welcome! See GitHub Issues.

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