Development of a Low Frequency Superconducting RF Electron Gun

Radio frequency (RF) electron guns have the potential to generate short bunch length, high charge, high brightness bunches with better characteristics than other sources. Superconducting versions of these guns could operate continuously with high average current beams that would open a broad range of applications from x-­rays for cancer therapy and sterilization, to tunable x-­ray and gamma ray sources, to high energy electron coolers. This project will develop a low frequency superconducting RF electron gun. By using low frequency with a small gap, the electrons will transit the accelerating region in much less time than an RF period so the fields are nearly electrostatic. Also, the low frequency reduces heating and other difficulties of the cathode, thereby allowing removable room temperature and cryogenic cathodes. Phase I demonstrated the technical feasibility of the project by completing the preliminary gun and cryomodule design, and a beam dynamics study. Phase II will finalize the design, and fabricate and test the superconducting RF gun. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Cryogenic tests will be carried out at Brookhaven National Laboratory to make use of their test facilities, cryogenics and laser systems. Demonstration of this new type of superconducting RF electron gun will open many new applications as well as the development of different cryogenic and room temperature cathodes.