NAPAC25 - North American Particle Accelerator Conference 2025

First Results from a Nb₃Sn-Coated 1.5-Cell 650 MHz SRF Cavity for Cryogen-Free Industrial Accelerators

Not scheduled

20m

SAFE Credit Union Convention Center

Poster Presentation MC7 – Accelerator Technology and Sustainability MC7

Speaker

Nikki Tagdulang (Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory)

Description

Fermilab is advancing the development of a compact, high-power electron beam accelerator using superconducting radio frequency (SRF) technology as a non-radioactive alternative to traditional radiological sources. The current design targets continuous-wave (CW) operation at 1.6 MeV and 20 kW. To ensure suitability for industrial environments, the system is being designed for cryogen-free operation, driving the adoption of a novel Nb₃Sn-coated 1.5-cell SRF cavity operating at 650 MHz.
This contribution reports on the fabrication, surface preparation, and Nb₃Sn coating process of the cavity, as well as first results from vertical test stand (VTS) measurements performed in a liquid helium bath. These initial tests mark a key milestone toward demonstrating the viability of conduction-cooled Nb₃Sn SRF cavities for industrial-scale deployment.

Funding Agency

This work is supported by the Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Research and Development within the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA)