Superconducting RF Photocathode Electron Gun--Advanced Energy Systems, Inc., 27 Industrial Blvd., Unite E, Medford, NY 11763-2286; 631-345-6264
Mr. Micheal Cole, Principal Investigator
Mr. Anthony J. Favale, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-99ER82724
Amount: $740,765

High-brightness, superconducting, continuous wave accelerators presently use an electron source that is separated from the initial accelerating modules. Significant gains in compactness, beam brightness, efficiency, and reliability could be realized by developing a superconducting gun where the photocathode is an integral part of the initial accelerating cavity. This project will develop a system that eliminates the need for a separate electron gun by utilizing the cavity endwall itself as the integral photocathode. Using existing cryogenic, laser, radio frequency, and diagnostic equipment, the achievement of superior brightness and beam quality from the gun will be demonstrated. Phase I designed and fabricated a representative test specimen and measured the quantum efficiency of the candidate photocathode and demonstrated that a significant electron beam power can be emitted. Simulations showed that a high quality electron beam can be generated using this photocathode and that the resulting beam can be accelerated through a superconducting structure. A superconducting cavity system was designed for testing in Phase II. Phase II will continue the photocathode development and quantum efficiency testing, as well as the design of an integrated superconducting assembly, and test it at the Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: A superconducting photocathode gun would be an ideal source for superconducting electron accelerators and free electron lasers. Additional applications would ensue if the gun can be further developed towards the higher power required for commercial material processing and military free-electron-laser applications due to the improved cost, performance, and efficiency.