• V.A. Dolgashev, S.G. Tantawi, A.D. Yeremian
  SLAC, Menlo Park, California
• Y. Higashi
  KEK, Ibaraki
• B. Spataro
  INFN/LNF, Frascati (Roma)

We report results of ongoing high power tests of single cell standing wave structures. These tests are part of an experimental and theoretical study of rf breakdown in normal conducting structures at 11.4 GHz. The goal of this study is to determine the accelerating gradient capability of normal-conducting rf powered particle accelerators. The test setup consists of reusable mode-launchers and short test structures powered by SLAC's XL-4 klystron. We have tested structures of different geometries, cell joining techniques, and materials, including hard copper alloys and molybdenum. We found that the behavior of the breakdown rate is reproducible for different structures of the same geometry and material. The breakdown rate dependence on peak magnetic fields is stronger than on peak surface electric fields for structures of different geometries.

• A.D. Yeremian, V.A. Dolgashev, S.G. Tantawi
  SLAC, Menlo Park, California

SLAC participates in the U.S. High Gradient collaboration whose charter includes basic studies of rf breakdown properties in accelerating structures. These studies include experiments with different materials and construction methods for single cell standing wave accelerating structures. The most commonly used method of joining cells of such structures is the high temperature bonding and/or brazing in hydrogen and/or vacuum. These high temperature processes may not be suitable for some of the new materials that are under consideration. We propose to build structures from cells with an rf choke, taking the cell-to-cell junction out of the electromagnetic field region. These cells will be clamped together in a vacuum enclosure, the choke joint ensuring continuity of rf currents. Next, we propose a structure with a choke joint in a high gradient cell and a view port which may allow us microscopic, in-situ observation of the metal surface during high power tests. And third, we describe the design of a TM01 choke flange for these structures.