Pulse Resonance for Photoelectron Acceleration

A novel electron gun is needed to improve the electron sources at DOE user facilities. Currently, accelerator system performance is limited by the high power requirements, low duty cycle, and low repetition rate of electron guns, which must produce a brief electron pulse in a 10-100MV/m environment. In this project, a previously-developed resonant cavity technology, which simultaneously energizes tens of harmonic modes (with fields superimposed to create a periodic, on-axis, high-gradient, electric field pulse), will be combined with laser and photocathode technologies to create a novel electron gun. Phase I will analyze the design parameters with modeling studies, validate the models with a prototype, construct the drive circuits, and finally validate system performance. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee The resulting electron gun should achieve the desired fields and pulse duration, with a high repetition rate and with less power.