"Superconducting Radio Frequency particle accelerator cavity design/testing "
Prof. Robert S. Orr
While the current generation of collider physics experiments relies on extensive arrays of superconducting magnets to trap the particles, keep them orbiting, and bring them into collision, the next generation of experiments will rely on similarly extensive arrays of superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities to provide high-field, cost-effective acceleration to energies of 1 TeV (or higher).
Our group is collaborating with
TRIUMF on the design and testing of cavities for the next generation
electron positron
collider,
the ILC . Over the past four years, we have developed a
novel ``second sound'' detector that
can be used to triangulate acoustic signals generated by quenches of the SRF cavities caused by manufacturing
defects of impurities.
These detectors have been used in the test
cryostats at TRIUMF and Fermilab. At Toronto, we have constructed and tested, at TRIUMF, a system
to measure the millikelvin temperature rises at the surface of the cavities associated with the onset of electron field emission.
In the summer of 2016 we intend to use both of these systems to start to study the performance of new materials such as niobium-tin at TRIUMF on the UBC campus in Vancouver. Also at TRIUMF we will participate
in surface studies using beta-NMR at the TRIUMF accelerator facility.
We have an opening for a summer-student to work in our group this
summer. Depending on the funding situation there should also be the opportunity for the student to spend several weeks at TRIUMF.