IJCLab and RI collaborate on photo-gun R&D

We are happy to announce a collaboration agreement between IJCLab and RI Research Instruments in advancing photo-guns as the source for future particle accelerators.

IJCLab, a pioneering lab in accelerator technology, hosts the PERLE project, targeting the 10 MW beam power regime with its compact three-pass energy-recovery linac based on superconducting RF technology. Under a collaboration agreement, the project has now received a key hardware component: a DC photo-gun built by RI, following a design by CHESS, the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source. The photo-gun has been relocated from Bergisch Gladbach to IJCLab near Paris, where it is undergoing reassembly. Our goal? To achieve 1st beam by the end of 2024.

This photo-gun, also comprising a photo-cathode preparation facility, was commissioned up to 350kV in the RI test bunker. It will deliver electron bunches up to 200pc and 350kV. Moreover, our collaboration includes joint R&D efforts to optimize photocathodes, explore high bunch charge operation, and enhance high-voltage stability, inching closer to the maximum 450kV potential available from the HV-power supply.

We're thrilled about this opportunity and eagerly anticipate operating and refining this photo-gun in the years ahead. This year, our focus is on mechanical installation and achieving 1st beam.

Check out some fun facts about the photo-gun:

It generates approximately 200,000,000 electrons from a single laser pulse hitting the photo-cathode.

A single pulse lasts approximately 10-20ps, making them around 3mm long.

The 450kV high-voltage supply would produce a discharge arc in air, which is mitigated by installing the voltage supply in in a high-pressure tank filled with dry nitrogen gas and by operating the photocathode itself in very good vacuum (less than 10^-10mbar or 1/100.000.000.000.000 atmospheres).

Exciting times ahead as we delve into the world of particle accelerator innovation!