Coaxial Energetic Ion Depostition of Superconducting Coatings on Copper RF Cavities for Particle Accelerators
75521S Radio frequency (RF) cavities are a key component in particle accelerators for fundamental high-energy physics research and medical applications. To enhance their capabilities, niobium-coated superconducting copper cavities have shown promise for supporting higher electric field gradients when compared to non-superconducting designs. However, a satisfactory coating method has not been developed that can deposit high-quality superconducting films on the insides of these cavities. To date the maximum field gradient that can be supported in niobium coated copper cavities is about 15 MV/m, which is not adequate for future accelerator designs. Also, sheet niobium in use is expensive. This project will develop a deposition process for coating the inside of copper RF accelerator cavities with high-quality, superconducting films that will allow particle accelerators to achieve field gradients greater than 15 MV/m. In Phase I, copper test samples, along with several sapphire and copper witness plates, were coated with niobium films using the Coaxial Energetic Deposition process. The superconducting transition temperature, Tc, and Residual Resistivity Ratio (RRR) for the films was measured to determine the superconducting properties, and film properties were assessed. Finally, a segment of an actual RF accelerator cavity was coated with niobium. Phase II will develop a Coaxial Energetic Deposition system that is capable of accommodating and coating 1.3 and 1.5 GHz RF accelerator cavities. In addition, a production system for transition to Phase III will be developed. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The superconducting thin film coatings for accelerator cavities should reduce the development and operating costs of particle accelerators, and allow them to achieve higher particle energies. Other applications include enhanced protective coatings for coal gasification, olefin manufacturing, and gun barrels for the military.
Small Business Information at Submission:
Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation (aasc)
626 Whitney Street San Leandro, CA 94577
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