Operating Experience with the R.P.I. Linac

The R.P.I. Linac, one of the most powerful electron accelerators in the world, has been in operation for several months. It has been operated at 130 megawatts peak power and at average beam power of 50 kilowatts for sustained runs. Evidence of pulse shortening has been observed only at currents of 0.8 ampere for pulse widths of 4.6 microseconds. A detailed discussion of performance is presented as well as current improvements.