Development of an 805-MHz, 550 kW pulsed klystron for the Spallation Neutron Source

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is an accelerator-based neutron source being built in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, by the U.S. Department of Energy. The SNS will provide the most intense pulsed neutron beams in the world for scientific research and industrial development. CPI is supporting the effort by providing 550 kW pulsed klystrons for the super-conducting portion of the accelerator. The primary output power requirements are 550 kW peak, 49.5 kW average at 805 MHz, with an electron beam-to-rf conversion efficiency of 65% and an rf gain of 50 dB. A total of 73 units are on order. Through April 2003, eighteen units have been factory-tested. Performance specifications, computer model predictions, and operating results will be presented.