An RF Cavity Tuning Actuator

50903-98-I An RF Cavity Tuning Actuator--American Superconductor Corporation, Two Technology Drive, Westborough, MA 01581-1727; (508) 836-4200 Mr. John Voccio, Principal Investigator Dr. Alexis P. Malozemoff, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-98ER82531 Amount: $75,000 Cryogenic actuators are needed to tune the radio frequency (RF) cavities used in particle accelerators. These actuators must operate while submerged in sub-cooled liquid helium at 2 K. Currently, magnetostrictive rods made from Ni are used, but these actuators are large and have not demonstrated the desired frequency adjustment range. For this project, cryogenic magnetostrictive actuators will be analyzed and designed to fit into the allotted envelope of the RF cavity environment. This simplifies the accelerator design and allows easier, more cost effective operation. A trade-off study of different actuator designs will be done and a model of the most promising design provided for evaluation. Under Phase I, conceptual designs of the actuator will be established and analyzed for thermal, magnetic and structural integrity. A model of the most promising design will be produced. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: This type of cryogenic magnetostrictive actuator has numerous commercial applications, including cryogen flow valves, mechanical heat switches, IR spectrometer tuning actuators, vibration isolation actuators, linear actuators and generic space-based applications._