High efficiency, low cost, RF sources for accelerators and colliders

Abstract

Accelerators for High Energy Physics (HEP) are large users of energy, much of it in the form of radiofrequency (RF) power to accelerate particles to very high energies. Proposed HEP projects will require even larger amounts of RF energy. Increasing concerns of the cost and availability of energy will require the HEP community to use energy as efficeintly as possible. Successful transfer of HEP technology to the public and private sectors will be most effective if it is highly efficient. Historically, the HEP community has utilized available RF power sources, mainly in the form of vacuum tube technology, much of which was developed during the cold war or is otherwized used in the private sector. The private sector is moving to solid-state RF sources which do not exibit the electrical efficiency that is needed for future HEP projects. Here, we summarize the state of the development of a number of RF sources that promise efficeincies of 80% and above. We also outline future efforts that are needed to fully realize the potential of these sources.

Radio Frequency Properties of a 3D Printed Klystron Circuit

“…Complex assemblies require many stages of machining and brazing, requiring many hours with skilled technicians and effective coordination between manufacturing departments. This labor-intensive process contributes significantly to the high manufacturing cost of such an RF system [19]. Additionally, every braze joint added to the circuit presents an opportunity for vacuum leaks or water leaks from cooling systems.…”

Status and future plans for C3 R&D

“…To realize this vision, we need to have a comprehensive program for these advanced microwave rf sources [78][79][80][81] with the end goal of an experimental demonstration of C-band modular multi-beam klystrons with efficiencies ≥ 65%, with periodic permanent magnet (PPM) focusing and high power. This should be followed by a demonstration of the combining mechanism; many methodologies are possible, but there is a new invention for combining with a two-dimensional Floquet network; a 16 tube combiner has already been demonstrated [23].…”