Femtosecond Planar Electron Beam Source for Micron-Scale Dielectric Wake Field Accelerator

65563 Superconducting magnet coils are a major component of fusion plasma experiment devices. For electrical insulation, these magnet coils use a polymer matrix composite resin that must exhibit good mechanical strength and radiation resistance at cryogenic temperatures. In liquid form, the resin also must be suitable for impregnation of these very large magnet coils. A major problem with the currently used resin is the release of gasses by organic material during irradiation. This project will develop a resin system that combines good processing characteristics with mechanical strength and radiation resistance. In Phase I, the effects of molecular structure and cross-linking density on radiation outgassing and processing characteristics of the diacetylene-siloxane resin systems will be determined. Promising candidates will be selected for systematic optimization to further enhance mechanical properties and processing characteristics. The optimized resin will be subjected to further characterization, including radiation outgassing measurements, and identification of radiation induced evolved gases. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Applications of the resin systems include electrical insulation for cyrogenic superconducting magnet systems (particularly those subjected to irradiation), cryogenic and high-temperature composite structures fabricated by liquid impregnation methods, automotive components and parts, aerospace equipment, and industrial belts and hoses.