SRF2025 - 22nd International Conference on RF Superconductivity

Three years of operating the superconducting linac for the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS)

TUP05

23 Sept 2025, 14:30

3h

Ito International Research Center

Board: TUP05

Poster Presentation MC1: SRF Facilities Tuesday Poster Session

Speaker

Sebastian Aderhold (SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)

Description

The LCLS-II project has installed a new superconducting linac at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory to enable free electron laser science at repetition rates up to 1 MHz. The installed 35 1.3 GHz cryomodules produce an electron beam with energy of up to 4 GeV. Commissioning of the superconducting linac began in mid-2022, leading to the achievement of first light in 2023 and subsequent user experiment deliveries in 2024.

This poster will provide an overview of the operational experience gained during the three years of operations, focusing on the performance of the superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) cavities and associated systems in the linac. Highlighted topics include beam stability, cavity availability and failure modes, as well as performance improvements in preparation for the installation of the LCLS-II High Energy (HE) Upgrade. Additionally, we will discuss challenges faced, such as power outages, and address degradation mechanisms, including field emission.