17–22 May 2026
C.I.D
Europe/Zurich timezone

Recommissioning and Restart of the 45 MeV UH Mānoa Linac and Free-Electron Laser

TUP2330
19 May 2026, 16:00
2h
C.I.D

C.I.D

Deauville, France
Poster Presentation MC2.A08: Photon sources: Linear Accelerators Poster session

Speaker

Niels Bidault (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa)

Description

The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa has undertaken the recommissioning of its 45 MeV electron linear accelerator and Free-Electron Laser (FEL) facility, installed initially by Prof. John Madey, inventor of the FEL. The linac drives the Mark-V FEL undulator and transports the beam through a double-bend achromat lattice, which enables beam characterization, manipulation, and laser-beam experiments. After nearly a decade of inactivity, the restart required a series of targeted upgrades to the low-level RF architecture, to the powering and control systems, and to multiple technical systems of the accelerator beamline.

We report the first electron-beam measurements since operations ceased in 2016, including transverse dynamics, energy measurements, and initial beam-quality assessments for future lasing. We put the current performance of the injector and accelerator into perspective relative to previous operational conditions and outline strategies for future development. These experimental results are compared with a new suite of beam-dynamics simulation modules to provide predictive capability for transport tuning and optimized electron beam parameters at the apparatus.

Finally, we outline the planned development path for the UH linac and FEL, including implementation of advanced diagnostics, restoration of IR FEL operation, and new research programs in beam physics, laser–electron interaction studies, and FEL development.

Funding Agency

This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences and Office of Accelerator Research & Development and Production, under Contract No. DE-SC002

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Author

Niels Bidault (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa)

Co-author

Siqi Li (University of Hawaii System)

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