Initial operation of the UCLA plane wave transformer (PWT) linac

We report on the initial operation of a novel compact rf linac-the plane wave transformer (PWT). The PWT is a 42 cm long, 8 cell standing-wave structure, operated at S-band, in a /spl pi/-mode. We present the properties of this linac at rf power levels from 4 MW to 8 MW and beam energy from 7 MeV to 10 MeV, measured initially using both dark current and photo-electrons. Some technical issues associated with the operation are discussed. Future improvements of the PWT, using a modified design, are also studied.