On the (Apparent) Paradox between Space-Charge Forces and Space-Charge Effects

International audienceWith the advent of high-intensity linacs, space charge forces are now well known as a major issue causing undesirable effects on particle beam qualities like emittance growth or sudden losses. They should be stronger when there are more particles or when the latter are contained in a smaller volume. But a detailed examination of the beam along an accelerator show that space charge effects are weaker where the beam size is smaller. This article clarifies this paradox and revisits the recommendations on beam sizes in view of mitigating space charge effects