LINAC2026 - 33rd Linear Accelerator Conference

RF System reliability at ESS: maintenance strategies and high-power testing of RFQ power couplers and DTL RF windows

Not scheduled

2h

Daejeon Convention Center

Poster Presentation MC3.A04: Proton linac projects Poster Session

Speaker

Andrea Passarelli (European Spallation Source)

Description

Following the Beam on Dump (BOD) campaign, the European Spallation Source (ESS) is preparing for the subsequent BOD2 and Beam on Target (BOT) phases, which require higher levels of accelerator reliability, availability, and stability. Ensuring continuous operation demands not only effective maintenance but also advanced strategies for managing critical components.

This work focuses on RFQ power couplers and DTL RF windows, key elements for RF power transmission and vacuum integrity, exposed to significant electromagnetic, thermal, and vacuum stresses. Beyond maintenance, the study presents dedicated test stands for high-power RF testing and conditioning in a controlled environment.

Main issues encountered during testing, such as multipacting, RF arcing, and contamination, are analyzed. These efforts aim to reduce risks, improve reproducibility, and ensure the availability of ready-to-use spare components, minimizing machine downtime.

This work shows that integrating maintenance with dedicated testing infrastructure is essential to enhance RF system reliability and support future high-power ESS operation.