Speaker
Description
The performance of superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities is critically influenced by surface preparation. Traditionally, electropolishing (EP) has been employed to achieve a clean, low-roughness surface on both niobium (Nb) and copper (Cu) substrates, despite requiring harsh and corrosive acids. Since 2019, our research at LNL has focused on an alternative approach: Plasma Electrolytic Polishing (PEP). This method uses only diluted salt solutions, presenting several advantages over EP, including a superior removal rate (2-8 μm/min for Nb and 3-30 μm/min for Cu) and achieving a surface roughness (Ra) lower than tens of nm. Additionally, the set-up has been optimized and simplified using external cathodes (no cathodes placed inside the elliptical cavity are necessary). In 2022, we established the initial recipes for PEP, and four of them were subsequently patented in 2023. First successful applications included a Cu 6 GHz elliptical cavities, QPRs and 3D-printed devices. In august 2024 the process scaling to 1.3 GHz Cu elliptical cavity has been done successfully. A collaboration with CERN and KEK is ongoing to validate the RF performances of PEP on a hydroformed seamless cavity produced by KEK and coated with a Nb thin film at CERN. On this talk PEP scaling to 1.3 GHz geometry and first RF results will be reported.
Funding Agency
Work supported by the PNRR MUR project PE0000023-NQSTI
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