Ferroelectric Based High Power Components for L-Band Accelerator Applications

The fast electronic tuning of superconducting cavities is a critical issue for optimizing the RF power distribution for accelerators. A recently proposed tuner design requires new elements made of an improved new ferroelectric material with low microwave loss. Therefore, this project will develop an L-band, externally-controlled, fast ferroelectric tuner for controlling the coupling of superconducting RF cavities for future linear colliders. In Phase I, the ferroelectric elements will be developed, along with a brazing technology for the gold layer joints deposited on the ferroelectric surface. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee Fast ferroelectric tuners should reduce cavity filling time and thus conserve RF power, up to ~8 MW of AC power savings for the ILC. The new ferroelectric components also should find use in a variety of commercial and military applications, such as radar antenna elements, electrically-controlled phase shifters, and switching devices.