Operation of the European XFEL Towards the Maximum Energy

After the initial commissioning of the available 25 radio frequency (RF) stations of the European XFEL (RF gun, A1, AH1 and stations A2 through A23) a maximum electron beam energy of 14.5 GeV was achieved, 3 GeV short of the design energy of 17.5 GeV. In order to tackle this problem, the Maximum Gradient Task Force (MGTF) was formed. In the scope of the work of the MGTF, RF stations A6 through A25 (linac L3) were systematically investigated and voltage-limiting factors of the SRF accelerating modules and their RF distribution system were identified and improved. As a result, the design electron beam energy was exceeded at 17.6 GeV on the 18.7.2018. Beside this an overview over the regular RF operation at the European XFEL is given