Two-Step Target for Fission Product Radioactive Beam Production

65479 The current generation of high power radio frequency (RF) sources used in high energy physics research employ cylindrical electron beams. Sheet beam devices could potentially provide equivalent or higher levels for RF power with reduced space charge, and, hence, they could operate at lower voltages. Also, a gridded gun could eliminate the requirement for pulse compression to drive the next generation of high power accelerators. This project will develop and test a gridded, sheet beam electron gun for high power RF applications. Phase I will model the optical performance of the emitted electron beam and develop a design that meets the requirements for an 250 kV, 80 MW sheet beam klystron. The mechanical design will include the gridded emitter, grid support, heat shields, heater package, and mounting structure. Thermal analysis will be performed to insure the electron gun performs as required at operating temperature. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The technology developed should be applicable to sheet beam klystrons, backward wave oscillators, traveling-wave accelerators, grating traveling wave tubes, and planar free electron lasers. The reduction in beam voltage should greatly reduce the cost and complexity of power supply systems.