Compact, Tunable RF Cavities

Within Nuclear Physics research, new developments in the design of fixed-field alternating gradient (FFAG) synchrotrons have sparked interest in their use as rapid-cycling, high intensity accelerators of ions, protons, muons, and electrons. In order to provide the required acceleration in FFAG lattices, compact radio frequency (RF) cavities that tune rapidly over various frequency ranges are needed. This project will develop a compact RF cavity that uses orthogonally-biased ferrite for fast frequency tuning and liquid dielectric to adjust the frequency. The parameters will be chosen to make this type of cavity useful in a variety of FFAG accelerators. In Phase I, RF cavity designs that employ liquid dielectric and orthogonally biased ferrite for use in FFAG accelerators will be investigated via computer modeling. Appropriate materials and configurations for the dielectric and the ferrite will be chosen and, when necessary, samples will be characterized to assess their utility for this approach to cavity tuning. A prototype cavity will be designed in Phase I for construction and testing in Phase II. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Rapid-cycling FFAG synchrotrons should become a promising way to provide high intensity beams for a variety of applications, such as proton drivers for neutron or muon production, rapid muon accelerators, electron accelerators for synchrotron light sources, and medical accelerators of protons and light ions for cancer therapy. Compact, tunable, accelerating RF cavities for these machines would enhance the feasibility of FFAG machines for basic research, and for medical and other applications.