Energetic Condensation Coating of Cu on Stainless Steel for High Power Couplers

Describe the problem or situation being addressed. The DOEs and publics interest in the problem should be clearly stated (typically one to three sentences). RF couplers used in all of the superconducting accelerator user facilities consist of a stainless steel base material (for thermal isolation) and a thin Cu film (for RF conductivity). The electro- chemical deposition techniques presently used to apply the Cu to the stainless steel have several draw backs. To encourage adhesion, an unwanted Ni layer is required between the Cu and stainless steel and despite this Cu adhesion is still low. A new technique is needed to produce highly adhered Cu films on stainless steel. Statement of How this Problem or Situation is Being Addressed Describe how this problem or situation is being addressed. The overall objective or approach of the combined Phase I and Phase II projects should be clearly stated (typically one to two sentences). Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation proposes to deposit a Cu thin film onto these stainless steel parts using our patented coaxial energetic deposition (CED) source. Deposition via an energetic source has the potential to create a highly adhered, quality thin film layer because thin film material is actually implanted into the substrate a few atomic layers. In Phase I, Cu films will be deposited on flat stainless steel coupons and tubes to measure the adhesion. In Phase II, a stainless steel coupler will be coated and tested. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Summarize the future applications and/or public benefits if the project is carried over into Phase II and beyond. Do not repeat information already provided above. Stainless steel coatings are part of a & gt; $150M components market for SRF accelerators. Aside from this, a dense, well-adhered coating on stainless steel has applications in the oil/gas and chemical industry for hard and corrosion-resistant coatings on pipes.