| | The four LHC RF modules, each containing four 400
MHz single cell cavities, were successfully completed
and installed in the LHC tunnel in 2006. A number of
minor modifications were made to the original
construction to improve reliability in operation and to
obtain tighter control on the otherwise large spread in the
tuning ranges of individual cavities. After fitting of the
variable power couplers, careful power processing was
applied to bring all cavities to 8 MV/m, i.e. 1.5 times the
nominal, and to the maximum 300 kW forward power.
Reaching the goal of full performance without major
incident has been the result of careful clean room
assembly, careful vacuum operation and ensuring proper
operation of all protection systems during RF operation.
Preparation for operation in the LHC is now ongoing,
where the modules will operate from same cryogenics
distribution line as the LHC's superconducting magnets. | |