Showing papers in "Physical Review Special Topics-accelerators and Beams in 2008"

Monoenergetic ion beams from ultrathin foils irradiated by ultrahigh-contrast circularly polarized laser pulses

Abstract: Acceleration of ions from ultrathin foils irradiated by intense circularly polarized laser pulses is investigated using one- and two-dimensional particle simulations. A circularly polarized laser wave heats the electrons much less efficiently than the wave of linear polarization and the ion acceleration process takes place on the front side of the foil. The ballistic evolution of the foil becomes important after all ions contained in the foil have been accelerated. In the ongoing acceleration process, the whole foil is accelerated as a dense compact bunch of quasineutral plasma implying that the energy spectrum of ions is quasimonoenergetic. Because of the ballistic evolution, the velocity spread of an accelerated ion beam is conserved while the average velocity of ions may be further increased. This offers the possibility to control the parameters of the accelerated ion beam. The ion acceleration process is described by the momentum transfer from the laser beam to the foil and it might be fairly efficient in terms of the energy transferred to the heavy ions even if the foil contains a comparable number of light ions or some surface contaminants. Two-dimensional simulations confirm the formation of the quasimonoenergetic spectrum of ions and relatively good collimation of the ion bunch, however the spatial distribution of the laser intensity poses constraints on the maximum velocity of the ion beam. The present ion acceleration mechanism might be suitable for obtaining a dense high energy beam of quasimonoenergetic heavy ions which can be subsequently applied in nuclear physics experiments. Our simulations are complemented by a simple theoretical model which provides the insights on how to control the energy, number, and energy spread of accelerated ions.

Commissioning the LCLS Injector

Abstract: The Linac Coherent Light Source is a SASE x-ray free-electron laser (FEL) project presently under construction at SLAC [J. Arthur et al., SLAC-R-593, 2002.]. The injector section, from drive laser and rf photocathode gun through first bunch compressor chicane, was installed in the fall of 2006. The initial system commissioning with an electron beam was completed in August of 2007, with the goal of a 1.2-micron emittance in a 1-nC bunch demonstrated. The second phase of commissioning, including second bunch compressor and full linac, is planned for 2008, with FEL commissioning in 2009. We report experimental results and experience gained in the first phase of commissioning, including the photocathode drive laser, rf gun, photocathode, S-band and X-band rf systems, first bunch compressor, and the various beam diagnostics.

Numerical studies on the electro-optic detection of femtosecond electron bunches

Abstract: The electro-optic (EO) effect is a powerful diagnostic tool for determining the time profile of ultrashort relativistic electron bunches. When a relativistic bunch passes within a few mm of an electro-optic crystal, its transient electric field is equivalent to a half-cycle THz pulse passing through the crystal. The induced birefringence can be detected with polarized femtosecond laser pulses. A simulation code has been written in order to understand the faithfulness and the limitations of electron bunch shape reconstruction by EO sampling. The THz pulse and the laser pulse are propagated as wave packets through the EO crystal. Alternatively, the response function method is applied. Using experimental data on the material properties of zinc telluride (ZnTe) and gallium phosphide (GaP), the effects of velocity mismatch, pulse shape distortion, and signal broadening are explicitly taken into account. The simulations show that the most severe limitation on the time resolution is given by the transverse-optical (TO) lattice oscillation in the EO crystal. The lowest TO frequency is 5.3 THz in ZnTe and 11 THz in GaP. Only the Fourier components below the TO resonance are usable for the bunch shape reconstruction. This implies that the shortest rms bunch length which can be resolved with moderate distortion amounts to $\ensuremath{\sigma}\ensuremath{\approx}90\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{fs}$ in ZnTe and $\ensuremath{\sigma}\ensuremath{\approx}50\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{fs}$ in GaP. The influence of the crystal thickness on the amplitude and width of the EO signal is studied. The optimum thickness is in the range from 100 to $300\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ for ZnTe and from 50 to $100\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ for GaP.

Modeling of secondary emission processes in the negative ion based electrostatic accelerator of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor

Abstract: The negative ion electrostatic accelerator for the neutral beam injector of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is designed to deliver a negative deuterium current of 40 A at 1 MeV. Inside the accelerator there are several types of interactions that may create secondary particles. The dominating process originates from the single and double stripping of the accelerated negative ion by collision with the residual molecular deuterium gas ($\ensuremath{\simeq}29%$ losses). The resulting secondary particles (positive ions, neutrals, and electrons) are accelerated and deflected by the electric and magnetic fields inside the accelerator and may induce more secondaries after a likely impact with the accelerator grids. This chain of reactions is responsible for a non-negligible heat load on the grids and must be understood in detail. In this paper, we will provide a comprehensive summary of the physics involved in the process of secondary emission in a typical ITER-like negative ion electrostatic accelerator together with a precise description of the numerical method and approximations involved. As an example, the multiaperture-multigrid accelerator concept will be discussed.

Delta undulator for Cornell energy recovery linac

Abstract: In anticipation of a new era of synchrotron radiation sources based on energy recovery linac techniques, we designed, built, and tested a short undulator magnet prototype whose features make optimum use of the unique conditions expected in these facilities. The prototype has pure permanent magnet (PPM) structure with 24 mm period, 5 mm diameter round gap, and is 30 cm long. In comparison with conventional undulator magnets it has the following: (i) full x-ray polarization control.---It may generate varying linear polarized as well as left and right circular polarized x rays with photon flux much higher than existing Apple-II--type devices. (ii) 40% stronger magnetic field in linear and approximately 2 times stronger in circular polarization modes. This advantage translates into higher x-ray flux. (iii) Compactness.---The prototype can be enclosed in a $\ensuremath{\sim}20\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{cm}$ diameter cylindrical vacuum vessel. These advantages were achieved through a number of unconventional approaches. Among them is control of the magnetic field strength via longitudinal motion of the magnet arrays. The moving mechanism is also used for x-ray polarization control. The compactness is achieved using a recently developed permanent magnet soldering technique for fastening PM blocks. We call this device a ``Delta'' undulator after the shape of its PM blocks. The presented article describes the design study, various aspects of the construction, and presents some test results.

Proposed dielectric-based microstructure laser-driven undulator

Abstract: This script presents a field-based analysis of laser acceleration of relativistic electrons in a free space that is bounded by a thin scattering or by a thin absorbing surface. The laser acceleration process is analyzed in terms of the inverse-radiation formalism and compared to the more familiar field path-integral analysis method. When the scattering boundary is modeled as a linear-index medium the predictions for laser-electron interactions from both field methods are found to agree. For the absorbing boundary both interaction pictures are also found to agree provided that the inverse radiation method is generalized to include absorption of energy from the boundary that is modeled as a linear ohmic-loss object.

Differential B-dot and D-dot monitors for current and voltage measurements on a 20-MA 3-MV pulsed-power accelerator

Abstract: We have developed a system of differential-output monitors that diagnose current and voltage in the vacuum section of a 20-MA 3-MV pulsed-power accelerator. The system includes 62 gauges: 3 current and 6 voltage monitors that are fielded on each of the accelerator's 4 vacuum-insulator stacks, 6 current monitors on each of the accelerator's 4 outer magnetically insulated transmission lines (MITLs), and 2 current monitors on the accelerator's inner MITL. The inner-MITL monitors are located 6 cm from the axis of the load. Each of the stack and outer-MITL current monitors comprises two separate $B$-dot sensors, each of which consists of four 3-mm-diameter wire loops wound in series. The two sensors are separately located within adjacent cavities machined out of a single piece of copper. The high electrical conductivity of copper minimizes penetration of magnetic flux into the cavity walls, which minimizes changes in the sensitivity of the sensors on the 100-ns time scale of the accelerator's power pulse. A model of flux penetration has been developed and is used to correct (to first order) the $B$-dot signals for the penetration that does occur. The two sensors are designed to produce signals with opposite polarities; hence, each current monitor may be regarded as a single detector with differential outputs. Common-mode-noise rejection is achieved by combining these signals in a $50\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}\ensuremath{\Omega}$ balun. The signal cables that connect the $B$-dot monitors to the balun are chosen to provide reasonable bandwidth and acceptable levels of Compton drive in the bremsstrahlung field of the accelerator. A single $50\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}\ensuremath{\Omega}$ cable transmits the output signal of each balun to a double-wall screen room, where the signals are attenuated, digitized ($0.5\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}\mathrm{ns}/\mathrm{sample}$), numerically compensated for cable losses, and numerically integrated. By contrast, each inner-MITL current monitor contains only a single $B$-dot sensor. These monitors are fielded in opposite-polarity pairs. The two signals from a pair are not combined in a balun; they are instead numerically processed for common-mode-noise rejection after digitization. All the current monitors are calibrated on a 76-cm-diameter axisymmetric radial transmission line that is driven by a 10-kA current pulse. The reference current is measured by a current-viewing resistor (CVR). The stack voltage monitors are also differential-output gauges, consisting of one 1.8-cm-diameter $D$-dot sensor and one null sensor. Hence, each voltage monitor is also a differential detector with two output signals, processed as described above. The voltage monitors are calibrated in situ at 1.5 MV on dedicated accelerator shots with a short-circuit load. Faraday's law of induction is used to generate the reference voltage: currents are obtained from calibrated outer-MITL $B$-dot monitors, and inductances from the system geometry. In this way, both current and voltage measurements are traceable to a single CVR. Dependable and consistent measurements are thus obtained with this system of calibrated diagnostics. On accelerator shots that deliver 22 MA to a low-impedance $z$-pinch load, the peak lineal current densities at the stack, outer-MITL, and inner-MITL monitor locations are 0.5, 1, and $58\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{MA}/\mathrm{m}$, respectively. On such shots the peak currents measured at these three locations agree to within 1%.

Development of high resolution camera for observations of superconducting cavities

Abstract: A system for inspecting the inner surface of superconducting rf cavities is developed in order to study the relation between the achievable field gradient and the defects in the inner surface. The inspection system consists of a high resolution complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor camera and a special illumination system built in a cylinder that has a diameter of 50 mm. The camera cylinder can be inserted into the L-band 9 cell superconducting cavity. The system provides a resolution of about $7.5\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}/\mathrm{pixel}$. Thus far, there have been good correlations between locations identified by thermometry measurements and positions of defects found by this system. The heights or depths of the defects can also be estimated by measuring wall gradients using the reflection angle relation between the camera position and the strip illumination position. This paper presents a detailed description of the system and the data obtained from it.

Production and characterization of attosecond electron bunch trains

Abstract: We report the production of optically spaced attosecond electron microbunches produced by the inverse free-electron-laser (IFEL) process. The IFEL is driven by a Ti:sapphire laser synchronized with the electron beam. The IFEL is followed by a magnetic chicane that converts the energy modulation into the longitudinal microbunch structure. The microbunch train is characterized by observing coherent optical transition radiation (COTR) at multiple harmonics of the bunching. Experimental results are compared with 1D analytic theory showing good agreement. Estimates of the bunching factors are given and correspond to a microbunch length of 410 attosec FWHM. The formation of stable attosecond electron pulse trains marks an important step towards direct laser acceleration.

Three-dimensional dielectric photonic crystal structures for laser-driven acceleration

Abstract: We present the design and simulation of a three-dimensional photonic crystal waveguide for linear laser-driven acceleration in vacuum. The structure confines a synchronous speed-of-light accelerating mode in both transverse dimensions. We report the properties of this mode, including sustainable gradient and optical-to-beam efficiency. We present a novel method for confining a particle beam using optical fields as focusing elements. This technique, combined with careful structure design, is shown to have a large dynamic aperture and minimal emittance growth, even over millions of optical wavelengths.

Electron emission contributions to dark current and its relation to microscopic field enhancement and heating in accelerator structures

Abstract: Analytically tractable models of thermal-field emission, field enhancement, and heating mechanisms (Nottingham and resistive) are developed and combined to make estimates of the fields and temperatures that accompany the development and growth of asperities. The relation of asperity dimensions to dark current is discussed in two experimentally motivated examples. The hypothetical relation of microscopic sources of dark current and heating to breakdown is discussed in the context of Nottingham and resistive heating. The latter are estimated using a general thermal-field methodology. A point-charge model is used to find field enhancement factors. Last, a thermal model is used to estimate the temperature dependence of the resistivity and thermal conductivity. Together, these models suggest that conditions can arise in which the temperature at the apex of an asperity can experience growth and contribute to melting or fracture (or both), and that Nottingham heating generally dominates the resistive heating term.

Operation of the Metrology Light Source as a primary radiation source standard

Abstract: The Metrology Light Source (MLS), the new electron storage ring of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) located in Berlin, is dedicated to metrology and technological developments in the UV and extreme UV spectral range as well as in the IR and THz region. The MLS can be operated at any electron beam energy between 105 and 630 MeV and at electron beam currents varying from 1 pA (one stored electron) up to 200 mA. Moreover, it is optimized for the generation of coherent synchrotron radiation in the far IR/THz range. Of special interest for PTB is the operation of the MLS as a primary radiation source standard from the near IR up to the soft x-ray region. Therefore, the MLS is equipped with all the instrumentation necessary to measure the storage ring parameters and geometrical parameters needed for the calculation of the spectral photon flux according to the Schwinger theory with low uncertainty.

Deflection of 400 GeV/c proton beam with bent silicon crystals at the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron

Abstract: This paper presents a detailed study of the deflection phenomena of a $400\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}/c$ proton beam impinging on a new generation of bent silicon crystals; the tests have been performed at the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron H8 beam line. Channeling and volume reflection angles are measured with an extremely precise goniometer and with high resolution silicon microstrip detectors. Volume reflection has been observed and measured for the first time at this energy, with a single-pass efficiency as large as 98%, in good agreement with the simulation results. This efficiency makes volume reflection a possible candidate for collimation with bent crystals at the CERN Large Hadron Collider.

Tevatron Electron Lenses: Design and Operation

Abstract: The beam-beam effects have been the dominating sources of beam loss and lifetime limitations in the Tevatron proton-antiproton collider [1]. Electron lenses were originally proposed for compensation of electromagnetic long-range and head-on beam-beam interactions of proton and antiproton beams [2]. Results of successful employment of two electron lenses built and installed in the Tevatron are reported in [3,4,5]. In this paper we present design features of the Tevatron electron lenses (TELs), discuss the generation of electron beams, describe different modes of operation and outline the technical parameters of various subsystems.

Models of longitudinal space-charge impedance for microbunching instability

Abstract: A 1D model of space-charge impedance, assuming a transversely uniform beam with circular cross section, has been proposed and is being extensively used in the modeling of the microbunching instability of relevance for the beam delivery systems of x-ray free-electron lasers. In this paper we investigate the limitation of the model when applied to studying the effect of shot noise---one of the sources of the microbunching instability. We make comparison with a fully 3D calculation and identify the upper end of the frequency spectrum for applicability of the 1D model. Relaxation of the assumptions regarding axis symmetry and uniformity of the transverse density is also reviewed.

Electron cloud observations and cures in the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider

Abstract: Since 2001, the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider has experienced electron cloud effects, some of which have limited the beam intensity. These include dynamic pressure rises (including pressure instabilities), tune shifts, a reduction of the instability threshold for bunches crossing the transition energy, and possibly incoherent emittance growth. We summarize the main observations in operation and dedicated experiments as well as countermeasures including baking, nonevaporable getter coated warm beam pipes, solenoids, bunch patterns, antigrazing rings, prepumped cold beam pipes, scrubbing, and operation with long bunches.

Development of a high-resolution cavity-beam position monitor

Abstract: We have developed a high-resolution cavity-beam position monitor (BPM) to be used at the focal point of the ATF2, which is a test beam line that is now being built to demonstrate stable orbit control at $\ensuremath{\sim}\mathrm{\text{nanometer}}$ resolution. The design of the cavity structure was optimized for the Accelerator Test Facility (ATF) beam in various ways. For example, the cavity has a rectangular shape in order to isolate two dipole modes in orthogonal directions, and a relatively thin gap that is less sensitive to trajectory inclination. A two stage homodyne mixer with highly sensitive electronics and phase-sensitive detection was also developed. Two BPM blocks, each containing two cavity BPMs, were installed in the existing ATF beam line using a rigid support frame. After testing the basic characteristics, we measured the resolution using three BPMs. The system demonstrated 8.7 nm position resolution over a dynamic range of $5\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$.

Efficient temporal shaping of electron distributions for high-brightness photoemission electron guns

Abstract: To achieve the lowest emittance electron bunches from photoemission electron guns, it is essential to limit the uncorrelated emittance growth due to space charge forces acting on the bunch in the vicinity of the photocathode through appropriate temporal shaping of the optical pulses illuminating the photocathode. We present measurements of the temporal profile of electron bunches from a bulk crystal GaAs photocathode illuminated with 520 nm wavelength pulses from a frequency-doubled Yb-fiber laser. A transverse deflecting rf cavity was used to make these measurements. The measured laser pulse temporal profile and the corresponding electron beam temporal profile have about 30 ps FWHM duration, with rise and fall times of a few ps. GaAs illuminated by 520 nm optical pulses is a prompt emitter within our measurement uncertainty of � 1 ps rms. Combined with the low thermal emittance of negative electron affinity photocathodes, GaAs is a very suitable photocathode for high-brightness photoinjectors. We also report measurements of the photoemission response time for GaAsP, which show a strong dependence on the quantum efficiency of the photocathode.

Generation and diagnostics of uncaptured beam in the Fermilab Tevatron and its control by electron lenses

Abstract: In the Collider Run II, the Tevatron operates with 36 high intensity bunches of 980 GeV protons and antiprotons. Particles not captured by the Tevatron RF system pose a threat to quench the superconducting magnet during acceleration or at beam abort. We describe the main mechanisms for the origination of this uncaptured beam, and present measurements of its main parameters by means of a newly developed diagnostics system. The Tevatron Electron Lens is effectively used in the Collider Run II operation to remove uncaptured beam and keep its intensity in the abort gaps at a safe level.

Plasma evolution and dynamics in high-power vacuum-transmission-line post-hole convolutes

Abstract: Vacuum-post-hole convolutes are used in pulsed high-power generators to join several magnetically insulated transmission lines (MITL) in parallel. Such convolutes add the output currents of the MITLs, and deliver the combined current to a single MITL that, in turn, delivers the current to a load. Magnetic insulation of electron flow, established upstream of the convolute region, is lost at the convolute due to symmetry breaking and the formation of magnetic nulls, resulting in some current losses. At very high-power operating levels and long pulse durations, the expansion of electrode plasmas into the MITL of such devices is considered likely. This work examines the evolution and dynamics of cathode plasmas in the double-post-hole convolutes used on the $Z$ accelerator [R. B. Spielman et al., Phys. Plasmas 5, 2105 (1998)]. Three-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations that model the entire radial extent of the $Z$ accelerator convolute---from the parallel-plate transmission-line power feeds to the $z$-pinch load region---are used to determine electron losses in the convolute. The results of the simulations demonstrate that significant current losses (1.5 MA out of a total system current of 18.5 MA), which are comparable to the losses observed experimentally, could be caused by the expansion of cathode plasmas in the convolute regions.

High brightness electron beam emittance evolution measurements in an rf photoinjector

Abstract: The new generation of linac injectors driving free electron lasers in the self-amplified stimulated emission (SASE-FEL) regime requires high brightness electron beams to generate radiation in the wavelength range from UV to x rays. The choice of the injector working point and its matching to the linac structure are the key factors to meet this requirement. An emittance compensation scheme presently applied in several photoinjectors worldwide is known as the "Ferrario" working point. In spite of its great importance there was, so far, no direct measurement of the beam parameters, such as emittance, transverse envelope, and energy spread, in the region downstream the rf gun and the solenoid of a photoinjector to validate the effectiveness of this approach. In order to fully characterize the beam dynamics with this scheme, an innovative beam diagnostic device, the emittance meter, consisting of a movable emittance measurement system, has been designed and built. With the emittance meter, measurements of the main beam parameters in both transverse phase spaces can be performed in a wide range of positions downstream the photoinjector. These measurements help in tuning the injector to optimize the working point and provide an important benchmark for the validation of simulation codes. We report the results of these measurements in the SPARC photoinjector and, in particular, the first experimental evidence of the double minimum in the emittance oscillation, which provides the optimized matching to the SPARC linac. © 2008 The American Physical Society.

Development of a 5.4 MV laser triggered gas switch for multimodule, multimegampere pulsed power drivers

Abstract: Laser triggered, megavolt, megampere gas switches are frequently utilized to synchronize multiple pulsed power driver modules for inertial-confinement fusion, isentropic compression, and radiation physics experiments. The device developed to synchronize the 36 modules of the refurbished Z accelerator at Sandia National Laboratories is a 5.4 MV, 700 kA, sulfur-hexafluoride (SF6) filled, laser triggered gas switch. At this operating level, switch jitter is 5 ns, the prefire rate is less than 0.1%, the average optic lifetime is greater than 200 shots, and the flashover rate is less than 1%. Over 1000 shots on a single-module test facility were conducted while iterating several potential design improvements, including utilizing low-erosion electrode material, varying SF6 pressure, and modifying internal switch geometry all while keeping the basic switch architecture and footprint constant. Results of this development effort are presented herein.

Parametrization of the driven betatron oscillation

Abstract: An AC dipole is a magnet which produces a sinusoidally oscillating dipole field and excites coherent transverse beam oscillations in a synchrotron. By observing this driven coherent oscillation, the linear optical parameters can be directly measured at locations of the beam position monitors. The driven oscillations induced by an AC dipole will generate a phase space ellipse which differs from that of free oscillations. If not properly accounted for, this difference can lead to misinterpretations of the actual optical parameters, for instance, 6% or more in the cases of the Tevatron, RHIC, or LHC. This paper shows that the effect of an AC dipole on the observed linear optics is identical to that of a thin lens quadrupole. By introducing a new amplitude function to describe this new phase space ellipse, the motion produced by an AC dipole becomes easier to interpret. The introduction of this new amplitude function also helps measurements of the normal Courant-Snyder parameters based on beam position data taken under the influence of an AC dipole. This new parametrization of driven oscillations is presented and is used to interpret data taken in the FNAL Tevatron using an AC dipole.

Phase stable net acceleration of electrons from a two-stage optical accelerator

Abstract: In this article we demonstrate the net acceleration of relativistic electrons using a direct, in-vacuum interaction with a laser. In the experiment, an electron beam from a conventional accelerator is first energy modulated at optical frequencies in an inverse-free-electron-laser and bunched in a chicane. This is followed by a second stage optical accelerator to obtain net acceleration. The optical phase between accelerator stages is monitored and controlled in order to scan the accelerating phase and observe net acceleration and deceleration. Phase jitter measurements indicate control of the phase to {approx}13{sup o} allowing for stable net acceleration of electrons with lasers.

Statistical analysis of crossed undulator for polarization control in a self-amplified spontaneous emission free electron laser

Abstract: There is a growing interest in producing intense, coherent x-ray radiation with an adjustable and arbitrary polarization state. In this paper, we study the crossed undulator scheme (K.-J. Kim, Nucl. Instrum. Methods A 445, 329 (2000)) for rapid polarization control in a self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) free electron laser (FEL). Because a SASE source is a temporally chaotic light, we perform a statistical analysis on the state of polarization using FEL theory and simulations. We show that by adding a small phase shifter and a short (about 1.3 times the FEL power gain length), 90{sup o} rotated planar undulator after the main SASE planar undulator, one can obtain circularly polarized light--with over 80% polarization--near the FEL saturation.

Design and testing of a 7.8 GHz power extractor using a cylindrical dielectric-loaded waveguide

Abstract: Dielectric-loaded power extraction is a method for the generation of high-power radio frequency (rf) waves under development for future particle accelerators. In this method, a high-charge electron beam drives a wakefield in a dielectric-loaded waveguide (the decelerator) and an rf output coupler extracts the rf power into an external waveguide. We report on the experimental demonstration of a 7.8 GHz dielectricloaded power extractor at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator facility. We have generated more than 30 MW of rf power with a pulse length of approximately 1.7 ns by passing a single 66 nC electron bunch through the power extractor. We have also used a train of 4 electron bunches to show a clear signature of field superposition. Test results are in good agreement with predictions.

Evidence of high-field radio-frequency hot spots due to trapped vortices in niobium cavities

Abstract: Superconducting radio-frequency (rf) cavities made of high-purity niobium exhibit strong anomalous rf losses starting at peak surface magnetic fields of about 90‐100 mT in the gigahertz range. This phenomenon is referred to as ‘‘Q drop.’’ Temperature maps of the cavity surface have revealed the presence of ‘‘hot spots’’ in the high magnetic field region of the cavities. Several models have been proposed over the years to explain this phenomenon but there is still no experimental evidence on the mechanisms behind such hot spots. In this work we show that at least some of the hot spots are due to trapped vortices responsible for the anomalous losses. Here we report experiments in which a local thermal gradient was applied to the hot spot regions of a cavity in order to displace the vortices. Temperature maps measured before and after applying the thermal gradient unambiguously show that the hot spots do move and change their intensities, allowing us to determine changes in the hot spot positions and strengths and their effect on the cavity performance. Results on a large-grain niobium cavity clearly show a different distribution and in some cases a weakening of the intensity of the ‘‘hot spots,’’suggesting new ways of improving the cavity performance without additional material treatments.

Design and validation of an accelerator for an ultracold electron source

Abstract: We describe here a specially designed accelerator structure and a pulsed power supply that are essential parts of a high brightness cold atoms-based electron source. The accelerator structure allows a magneto-optical atom trap to be operated inside of it, and also transmits subnanosecond electric field pulses. The power supply produces high voltage pulses up to 30 kV, with a rise time of up to 30 ns. The resulting electric field inside the structure is characterized with an electro-optic measurement and with an ion time-of-flight experiment. Simulations predict that 100 fC electron bunches, generated from trapped atoms inside the structure, reach an emittance of 0.04 mm mrad and a bunch length of 80 ps.

Optimized transmission-line impedance transformers for petawatt-class pulsed-power accelerators

Abstract: We have developed 1D analytic and 2D fully electromagnetic models of radial transmission-line impedance transformers. The models have been used to quantify the power-transport efficiency and pulse sharpening of such transformers as a function of voltage pulse width and impedance profile. For the cases considered, we find that in the limit as $\ensuremath{\Gamma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$ (where $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ is the ratio of the pulse width to the one-way transit time of the transformer), the transport efficiency is maximized when the impedance profile is exponential. As $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ increases from zero, the optimum profile gradually deviates from an exponential. A numerical procedure is presented that determines the optimum profile for a given pulse shape and width. The procedure can be applied to optimize the design of impedance transformers used in petawatt-class pulsed-power accelerators.