Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) Cavity Research at NSCL

Nb half wave cavity during fabrication.

    The National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) began a program of research and development in SRF cavities in the year 2000.  The present focus is on cavities for acceleration of medium-velocity particles (from 0.5 to 0.8 times the speed of light) and low-velocity particles (below 0.5 times the speed of light).  Applications of such cavities include heavy ion accelerators include the proposed Isotope Science Facility.  Applications of these cavities for proton linacs include neutron spallation, transmutation of radiaoactive waste, and others.

    Present-day SRF cavities are generally made of niobium.  After fabrication of a cavity with the desired shape, chemical etching is done to remove the surface damage layer and thereby improve the quality factor (Q) of the cavity.  The material properties of the Nb also affect the Q and quench field of the cavity.  Because even microscopic particulates stuck to the inner surface of the cavity can degrade the high-field performance of the cavity, special precautions must be taken before cooling the cavity to cryogenic temperatures.  A clean room and associated infrastructure are therefore needed.

    Initial funding of SRF activities at NSCL has been provided by Michigan State University.  Development of cavities for medium-velocity particles is being pursued in collaboration with the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Newport News, Virginia INFN’s Laboratorio Acceleratori e Superconduttività Applicata in Milano, Italy, and the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), in Batavia, Illinois.  Development of cavities for low-velocity particles is being pursued in collaboration with INFN’s Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro in Legnaro, Italy.  Fermilab has also provided support for SRF-related graduate student projects in materials science and mechanical engineering.

    The 2008 SRF Materials and Hydroforming Workshop will be held at MSU from 29 October 2008 to 31 October 2008.

    The 2006 Midwestern SRF Materials Research Meeting was held at MSU on 17 March 2006.

Index

Cavity Development Cryomodule Development Materials Studies Clean Room Facility Chemical Etching Facility

SRF Worldwide Personnel Papers Photo Gallery