Evidence of Increased Radio-Frequency Losses in Cavities from the Fundamental Power Coupler Cold Window

High radio-frequency (rf) losses measured for cavities in original Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) cryomodules, compared to the losses measured in single-cavity tests, have been a long-standing issue related to their performance. We summarize experimental evidence of increased rf losses in CEBAF cavities arising from the fundamental power coupler cold window and waveguide, respectively. Cryogenic rf tests were done on cavities tested in vertical cryostats as well as inside cryomodules in the accelerator tunnel. The cold window metallization losses were assessed by combining numerical results with measured data obtained with an existing cryogenic waveguide resonator setup. The results showed that the cold window metallization losses can increase the cavity rf heat load at 2.07 K by up to 86%, depending on the standing-wave pattern in the fundamental power coupler waveguide, and that such losses are reduced if the distance between the waveguide and the cavity cells is increased

First Test Results of Superconducting Twin Axis Cavity for ERL Applications

RF superconducting (SRF) cavities with two beam pipes have been proposed in the past for energy recovery linac applications. The relatively complex geometry of those cavities presented a serious challenge for fabrication and surface processing. The main concerns have now been overcome with the fabrication and successful RF testing of a new elliptical twin-axis cavity proposed by Jefferson Lab (JLab) and optimized by the Center for Accelerator Science (CAS) at Old Dominion University (ODU) in the framework of a DoE accelerator stewardship program. The cavity design provides uniform accelerating or decelerating fields for both beams. This paper describes the cavity design, fabrication experience, and the first cold RF test results and explores potential applications especially for JLab’s EIC (JLEIC)

JLab SRF Cavity Fabrication Errors, Consequences and Lessons Learned

Today, elliptical superconducting RF (SRF) cavities are preferably made from deep-drawn niobium sheets as pursued at Jefferson Laboratory (JLab). The fabrication of a cavity incorporates various cavity cell machining, trimming and electron beam welding (EBW) steps as well as surface chemistry that add to forming errors creating geometrical deviations of the cavity shape from its design. An analysis of in-house built cavities over the last years revealed significant errors in cavity production. Past fabrication flaws are described and lessons learned applied successfully to the most recent in-house series production of multi-cell cavities

A Family of L-band SRF Cavities for High Power Proton Driver Applications

Recent global interest in high duty factor or CW superconducting linacs with high average beam power highlights the need for robust and reliable SRF structures capable of delivering high average RF power to the beam with moderate HOM damping, low interception of halo and good efficiency. Potential applications include proton or H- drivers for spallation neutron sources, neutrino physics, waste transmutation, subcritical reactors, and high-intensity high-energy physics experiments. We describe a family of SRF cavities with a range of Betas capable of transporting beam currents in excess of 10 mA CW with large irises for minimal interception of halo and HOM and power couplers capable of supporting high average power operation. Goals include an efficient cell shape, high packing factor for efficient real-estate gradient and strong HOM damping to ensure stable beam operation

Optimizing SRF Gun Cavity Profiles in a Genetic Algorithm Framework

Automation of DC photoinjector designs using a genetic algorithm (GA) based optimization is an accepted practice in accelerator physics. Allowing the gun cavity field profile shape to be varied can extend the utility of this optimization methodology to superconducting and normal conducting radio frequency (SRF/RF) gun based injectors. Finding optimal field and cavity geometry configurations can provide guidance for cavity design choices and verify existing designs. We have considered two approaches for varying the electric field profile. The first is to determine the optimal field profile shape that should be used independent of the cavity geometry, and the other is to vary the geometry of the gun cavity structure to produce an optimal field profile. The first method can provide a theoretical optimal and can illuminate where possible gains can be made in field shaping. The second method can produce more realistically achievable designs that can be compared to existing designs. In this paper, we discuss the design and implementation for these two methods for generating field profiles for SRF/RF guns in a GA based injector optimization scheme and provide preliminary results

Investigations on Absorber Materials at Cryogenic Temperatures

In the framework of the 12 GeV upgrade project for the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) improvements are being made to refurbish cryomodules housing Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facilitys (JLab) original 5-cell cavities. Recently we have started to look into a possible simplification of the existing Higher Order Mode (HOM) absorber design combined with the aim to find alternative material candidates. The absorbers are implemented in two HOM-waveguides immersed in the helium bath and operate at 2 K temperature. We have built a cryogenic setup to perform measurements on sample load materials to investigate their lossy characteristics and variations from room temperature down to 2 K. Initial results are presented in this paper

Enhanced Method for Cavity Impedance Calculations

With the proposal of medium to high average current accelerator facilities the demand for cavities with extremely low Higher Order Mode (HOM) impedances is increasing. Modern numerical tools are still under development to more thoroughly predict impedances that need to take into account complex absorbing boundaries and lossy materials. With the usually large problem size it is preferable to utilize massive parallel computing when applicable and available. Apart from such computational issues, we have developed methods using available computer resources to enhance the information that can be extracted from a cavities? wakefield computed in time domain. In particular this is helpful for a careful assessment of the extracted RF power and the mitigation of potential beam break-up or emittance diluting effects, a figure of merit for the cavity performance. The method is described as well as an example of its implementation