Yale Ka-band facility for high-gradient accelerator R&D: Status report

Development of a future multi-TEV warm collider demands new technological solutions and new accelerator structure materials. The Ka-Band test facility being put into operation at Yale University that centers on the Yale/Omega-P 34 GHz magnicon allows users to carry out high gradient experiments on RF breakdown, pulse fatigue, tests of new high power pulse manipulation systems, and RF components. Prior to installation of the barrier windows on the output the magnicon was conditioned for a pulse width up to 1 musec, and an output of 25 MW, high enough for basic studies of electric and magnetic RF field limits at surfaces of conductors and dielectrics. The high power waveguide transmission system for the facility was assembled and installed in February 2007. The system includes RF windows, phase shifters, 13 mm diameter TE
₁₁
waveguides, mode converters, and high-power vacuum loads. Recently the assembled system has undergone conditioning in preparation for carrying out the first user experiments.