E.Cullerton

Bio: E.Cullerton is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Local oscillator & Fermilab. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 2 publications receiving 8 citations.

LLRF Design for the HINS-SRF Test Facility at Fermilab

Abstract: The High Intensity Neutrino Source (HINS) R&D program requires super conducting single spoke resonators operating at 325 MHz (SSR1) [1]. After coupler installation, these cavities are tested at the HINS-SRF facility at Fermilab. The LLRF requirements for these tests include support for continuous wave and pulsed mode operations, with the ability to track the resonance frequency of the tested cavity. Real-time measurement of the cavity loaded Q and Q0 are implemented using gradient decay techniques, allowing for Q0 versus Eacc plots. A real time cavity simulator was also developed to test the LLRF system and verify its functionality. LLRF SYSTEM OVERVIEW The LLRF system is depicted in Fig. 1. The 325 MHz RF reference is provided by a signal generator (Aeroflex IFR 2023A), for tunability. The master oscillator and local oscillator chassis distributes the 325 MHz reference signal and generates the 338 MHz LO. The LO is obtained by mixing the 325 MHz RF signal with a 13 MHz intermediate frequency (IF), internally generated by dividing the 325 MHz reference by 25. This allows the LO to track the RF signal when it is tuned to match the cavity resonance frequency.

New LLRF System for Fermilab 201.25 MHz Linac

Abstract: The Fermilab Proton Plan, tasked to increase the intensity and reliability of the Proton Source, has identified the Low Level Radio Frequency (LLRF) system as the critical component to be upgraded in the Linac. The current 201.25 MHz Drift Tube Linac LLRF system was designed and built over 35 years ago and does not meet the higher beam quality requirements under the new Proton Plan. A new VXI based LLRF system has been designed to improve cavity vector regulation and reduce beam losses. The upgrade includes an adaptive feedforward system for beam loading compensation, a new phase feedback system, and a digital phase comparator for cavity tuning. The new LLRF system is phase locked to the 805 MHz reference line, currently used as frequency standard in the higher energy accelerating section of the Linac. This paper will address the current status of the project, present the advancements in both amplitude and phase stability over the old LLRF system, and discuss commissioning plans.

Fully Digital and White Rabbit-Synchronized Low-Level RF System for LIPAc

Abstract: The International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF) is an international project to study and qualify candidate materials for the construction of a future fusion reactor. One of the objectives of the IFMIF-Engineering Validation and Engineering Design Activity Project is to build a linear prototype accelerator (LIPAc) to validate the final IFMIF accelerator concept. LIPAc, which is currently under construction in Rokkasho (Japan), will generate a 9-MeV deuteron beam of 125-mA current with 100% duty cycle. CIEMAT (Spain) is in charge of providing the RF power system, including the low-level radio frequency (LLRF) system. Most of the developed LLRF systems are not completely digital, as they use analog front ends for intermediate frequency conversion before or after digitalization. However, the LIPAc LLRF system is a fully digital system: no analog frequency conversion is performed, the radio frequency (RF) signals are directly digitally synthesized and sampled by means of high-speed digital-to-analog converters and analog-to-digital converters. This is a clear advantage in terms of flexibility, reliability, reconfigurability, cost, and response time, as all the signal processing is performed in the digital domain. The other main advantages and novelties are the use of White Rabbit (WR) for timing synchronization and master oscillator distribution (distributed RF over WR). The LIPAc LLRF system is the first LLRF based on WR, and it has been designed and fabricated using the most advanced technology. This paper presents the detailed description of the LIPAc LLRF system and its advantages, performance evaluation, and verification.

The LCLS-II LLRF System

Abstract: The SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is planning an upgrade (LCLS-II) to the Linear Coherent Light Source with a 4 GeV CW superconducting (SCRF) linac. The SCRF linac consists of 35 ILC style cryomodules (eight cavities each) for a total of 280 cavities. Expected cavity gradients are 16 MV/m with a loaded QL of ~ 4x107. The RF system will have 3.8 kW solid state amplifiers driving single cavities. To ensure optimum field stability a single source single cavity control system has been chosen. It consists of a precision four channel cavity receiver and RF stations (Forward, Reflected and Drive signals). In order to regulate the resonant frequency variations of the cavities due to He pressure, the tuning of each cavity is controlled by a Piezo actuator and a slow stepper motor. In addition the system (LLRF-amplifier-cavity) is being modeled and cavity microphonic testing has started. This paper describes the LLRF system under consideration, including recent modeling and cavity tests.

First High Gradient Test Results of a Dressed 325 MHz Superconducting Single Spoke Resonator at Fermilab

Abstract: A new superconducting RF cavity test facility has been commissioned at Fermilab in conjunction with first tests of a 325 MHz, {beta} = 0.22 superconducting single-spoke cavity dressed with a helium jacket and prototype tuner. The facility is described and results of full gradient, CW cavity tests with a high Q{sub ext} drive coupler are reported. Sensitivities to Q disease and externally applied magnetic fields were investigated. Results are compared to bare cavity results obtained prior to hydrogen degassing and welding into the helium jacket.

Tests of a tuner for a 325 mhz srf spoke resonator

Abstract: Fermilab is developing 325 MHz SRF spoke cavities for the proposed Project X. A compact fast/slow tuner has been developed for final tuning of the resonance frequency of the cavity after cooling down to operating temperature and to compensate microphonics and Lorentz force detuning [2]. The modified tuner design and results of 4.5K tests of the first prototype are presented. The performance of lever tuners for the SSR1 spoke resonator prototype has been measured during recent CW and pulsed tests in the Fermilab SCTF. The tuner met or exceeded all design goals and has been used to successfully: (1) Bring the cold cavity to the operating frequency; (2) Compensate for dynamic Lorentz force detuning; and (3) Compensate for frequency detuning of the cavity due to changes in the He bath pressure.

RF Tests of Dressed 325 MHz Single-Spoke Resonators at 2 K

Abstract: Fermilab has recently completed an upgrade to its spoke resonator test cryostat to enable testing of cavities in superfluid helium. Two single-spoke resonators with differing helium vessel designs have been tested in this new configuration. Gradient and Q0 performance was studied along with microphonics control and sensitivity of the resonant frequency to pressure variations. A description of the testing and the results obtained are presented.