Micro-Pulse Amplified Electron Injector

High-current pulses of electrons are widely used in injector systems for electron accelerators, both for industrial linacs as well as high-energy accelerators for linear colliders. Also, short-duration pulses are used for microwave generation in klystrons and related devices, for injectors to perform research on advanced methods of particle acceleration, and for injectors used as free-electron-laser (FEL) drivers. However, the development of a system that can produce both high-current and short-duration pulses of electrons has been a challenging problem for many years. This project will develop a high current, picosecond S-band injector system, the Micro-Pulse Amplified Electron Injector (MPAI). The heart of the MPAI is a self-bunching electron gun. By adding an external electron amplifier stage and high energy RF post acceleration, an inexpensive, simple, robust electron injector would result. Phase I is aimed at measurements of: electron current gain, charge per bunch, RF power, beam power, and other key parameters. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The micro-pulse electron amplifier injector (MPAI) should provide a high power, low emittance, picosecond-long electron source that is suitable for many applications: high energy picosecond electron injectors for linear colliders, free electron lasers, medical and industrial RF linacs, and a high-harmonic high-frequency driver for RF sources and accelerator test facilities.