Simple model for the RF field amplitude dependence of the trapped flux sensitivity in superconducting RF cavities

The improvement of the performance of RF superconducting cavities has recently motivated a considerable research effort in order to elucidate the effect of trapped magnetic flux on the surface resistance $R_{s}$. In this paper we show that by introducing a non-linear pinning force in the Gittleman-Rosenblum equations for the RF power dissipation due to a trapped magnetic flux in a superconductor, we can empirically describe the linear dependence on the RF field amplitude $B_{rf0}$ of the additional surface resistance $R_{fl}$. We also show that the proportionality between the RF-field dependent and independent terms $R_{fl}^{1}$ and $R_{fl}^{0}$, and the frequency dependence of $R_{fl}^{1}$ follow naturally from this approach

A flexible space-variant anisotropic regularisation for image restoration with automated parameter selection

We propose a new space-variant anisotropic regularisation term for variational image restoration, based on the statistical assumption that the gradients of the target image distribute locally according to a bivariate generalised Gaussian distribution. The highly flexible variational structure of the corresponding regulariser encodes several free parameters which hold the potential for faithfully modelling the local geometry in the image and describing local orientation preferences. For an automatic estimation of such parameters, we design a robust maximum likelihood approach and report results on its reliability on synthetic data and natural images. For the numerical solution of the corresponding image restoration model, we use an iterative algorithm based on the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM). A suitable preliminary variable splitting together with a novel result in multivariate non-convex proximal calculus yield a very efficient minimisation algorithm. Several numerical results showing significant quality-improvement of the proposed model with respect to some related state-of-the-art competitors are reported, in particular in terms of texture and detail preservation

Reflection of infrared radiation from thin aluminium layers

The thermal shielding of the LHC magnets cryostats will make use of Multi-Layer Insulation. This is a sandwich of several Mylar (polyester) foils 6 µm thick coated with a thin film of aluminium, having a thickness of some 30 nm. The thickness of the aluminium film must be kept at a minimum to minimise lateral thermal conduction. The outer layer of this sandwich stays at a temperature of 20 K or below, and receives IR radiation from surfaces at 77 K (wavelength of 37.6 µm at the peak of blackbody radiation), which should be reflected with the highest efficiency. The minimum thickness for the aluminium layer to avoid transmission of the radiation can be calculated by making use of the skin effect theory, taking into account the changes in electrical properties that are due to the extremely low thickness of the film

Measurement of the dynamic response of the CERN DC spark system and preliminary estimates of the breakdown turn-on time

The new High Repetition Rate (HRR) CERN DC Spark System has been used to investigate the current and voltage time structure of a breakdown. Simulations indicate that vacuum breakdowns develop on ns timescales or even less. An experimental benchmark for this timescale is critical for comparison to simulations. The fast rise time of breakdown may provide some explanation of the particularly high gradients achieved by low group velocity, and narrow bandwidth, accelerating structures such as the T18 and T24. Voltage and current measurements made with the previous system indicated that the transient responses measured were dominated by the inherent capacitances and inductances of the DC spark system itself. The bandwidth limitations of the HRR system are far less severe allowing rise times of approximately 12ns to be measured

Analysis and optimisation of a variational model for mixed Gaussian and Salt & Pepper noise removal

We analyse a variational regularisation problem for mixed noise removal that was recently proposed in [14]. The data discrepancy term of the model combines L1 and L2 terms in an infimal convolution fashion and it is appropriate for the joint removal of Gaussian and Salt & Pepper noise. In this work we perform a finer analysis of the model which emphasises on the balancing effect of the two parameters appearing in the discrepancy term. Namely, we study the asymptotic behaviour of the model for large and small values of these parameters and we compare it to the corresponding variational models with L1 and L2 data fidelity. Furthermore, we compute exact solutions for simple data functions taking the total variation as regulariser. Using these theoretical results, we then analytically study a bilevel optimisation strategy for automatically selecting the parameters of the model by means of a training set. Finally, we report some numerical results on the selection of the optimal noise model via such strategy which confirm the validity of our analysis and the use of popular data models in the case of "blind'' model selection

Diffusion of oxygen in niobium during bake-out

Bake-outs at temperatures between 100 C and 150 C for a duration up to two days have become customary for optimising the performance of bulk niobium cavities. This treatment results in the diffusion of oxygen, originating from the surface oxide, into the niobium. The theoretical oxygen profile has been simulated using the diffusion equations, and compared with some experimental results

New local field quantity describing the high gradient limit of accelerating structures

A new local field quantity is presented which gives the high gradient performance limit of accelerating structures due to vacuum rf breakdown. The new field quantity, a modified Poynting vector S_{c}, is derived from a model of the breakdown trigger in which field emission currents from potential breakdown sites cause local pulsed heating. The field quantity S_{c} takes into account both active and reactive power flow on the structure surface. This new quantity has been evaluated for many X-band and 30 GHz rf tests, both traveling wave and standing wave, and the value of S_{c} achieved in the experiments agrees well with analytical estimates