Durable ALON Windows for High Power Accelerator Applications

Materials currently used for high power RF accelerator applications are typically opaque in visible wavelengths. The use of ALON Optical ceramic will combine a high level of RF performance while simultaneously allowing the inside of superconducting cavities to be monitored for issues such as arcing. Scientist at Surmet will work closely with scientists at Thomas Jefferson Labs to collect the necessary set of properties data for ALON Optical Ceramic at cryogenic temperatures, which will allow it to be used in a wide variety of high power RF accelerator applications. This will be followed by the fabrication and evaluation of full sized ALON RF input couplers which will be evaluated by Scientists and engineers at Thomas Jefferson Labs. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: ALON Optical Ceramic is well known within the Department of Defense and is currently being inserted into a number of military applications, including windows, lenses and domes for aircraft sensors and missiles. Expanding the database for ALON to very low temperatures will make it applicable to an even wider range of military and commercial applications. Demonstrating the utility of this material at very low temperatures and with very high power RF will also extend the range of applications to which it can be applied including very demanding applications in the directed energy weapons and semiconductor processing areas