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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Measurements of the beam longitudinal properties in the Fermilab Linac

The Fermilab Linac delivers 400$\,$MeV, 25$\,$mA H$^-$ beam to a rapid cycling synchrotron called the Booster. Parameters of the Linac beam affect Booster performance and therefore quantifying them is important. The longitudinal bunch parameters are reconstructed using a Bunch Shape Monitor (BSM) installed in the middle of the Linac. For that, the bunch length is measured as a function of the phase of an upstream cavity and fitted to simulations. The cavity gradient and its phase with respect to the beam are recovered from readings of Beam Position Monitors. Since the cavity provides a significant transverse defocusing, the BSM measurements are correlated with transverse beam size measurements by a wire scanner. Simulations connect these three types of measurements, allowing to deduce the longitudinal emittance and Courant-Snyder parameters.

Sharankova, Ralitsa [Fermilab] (ORCID:000000027014↗
DOE OSTI2024

Emittance Measurements with Wire Scanners in the Fermilab Side-Coupled Linac

The Fermilab Side-Coupled Linac accelerates H- beam from 116 MeV to 400 MeV through seven 805 MHz modules. Twelve wire scanners are present in the Side Coupled Linac and four are present in the transfer line between the Linac and the Booster synchrotron ring. These wire scanners act as important diagnostic instru-ments to directly collect information on the beam s transverse distribution. The manipulation of the condi-tions of wire scanner data collection enables further characterization of the beamline, such as calculating emittance and the Twiss parameters of the beam at select regions. Here we present the results of these studies and characterization of the non-Gaussian transverse beam distribution observed.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Design of a Non-Invasive Laser-based Beam Profile Monitor System for the New Fermilab PIP-II Superconducting H- Linac

As part of the new Proton Improvement Plan (PIP-II), Fermilab is undertaking the development of a new 800 MeV, 2 mA H- superconducting RF linac to replace its present normal conducting 400 MeV linac. The PIP-II linac consists of a series of superconducting RF cryomodules from 2.1 MeV to 800 MeV. To limit the potential damage to the superconducting RF cavities, PIP-II will utilize non-invasive laser-based monitors (laserwires) to obtain beam profiles via photoionization. This paper will present the design of this PIP-II laserwire system including the picosecond pulsed laser, optical transport line, 13 individual laserwire stations, laser feedback and timing controls.

Scarpine, V. [Fermilab]↗
DOE OSTI2025

Optics Reconstruction in the SCL Section of the FNAL Linac

The Side-CoupledLinac (SCL) section oftheFNAL linac acceleratesthe beamfrom 117 MeV to 401.5 MeV, operatingat 22-24mA beam current. Transverse focusing is performedby32 quadrupoles, and the beam orbit is guidedby19dipolecorrectors andmeasuredby29 BPMs. The bunch length is measured in a single location by a Bunch Shape Monitor (BSM). This paper presents a three-step reconstruction of the machine optics. First, the transverse and longitudinal Twiss parameters at the start of the SCL section are determined using quadrupole scans and BSM measurements at different settings o fan upstream cavity. Second, the quadrupole calibrations are adjusted based on differential-trajectory measurements. Finally, the beam is propagated along the SCL linac using the code Trace Win. A comparison between Trace Win simulations and the beam envelope measured bythe12wirescanners of the SCL linac was performed. Transverse and longitudinal beam parameters at the entrance of the transition section will be reported

Carneiro, Jean-Paul [Fermilab]↗
DOE OSTI2024

Emittance Measurements with Wire Scanners in the Fermilab Side-coupled Linac

The Fermilab Side-Coupled Linac accelerates H-beam from 116 MeV to 400 MeV through seven 805 MHz modules. Twelve wire scanners are present in the Side Coupled Linac and four are present in the transfer line between the Linac and the Booster synchrotron ring. These wire scanners act as important diagnostic instruments to directly collect information on the beam's transverse distribution. The manipulation of the conditions of wire scanner data collection enables further characterization of the beamline, such as calculating emittance and the Twiss parameters of the beam at select regions, which we present here.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

LLRF System Analysis for the Fermilab PIP-II Superconducting LINAC

PIP-II is a superconducting linac that is in the initial acceleration chain for the Fermilab accelerator complex. The RF system consists of a warm front-end with an RFQ and buncher cavities along with 25 superconducting cryo-modules comprised of cavities with five different acceleration \(β\). The LLRF system for the linac has to provide field and resonance control for a total of 125 RF cavities. Various components of the LLRF system have been tested with and without beam at the PIP-II test stands. The LLRF system design is derived from the LCLS-II project with its self-excited loop architecture used in the majority of the cryo-modules. The PIP-II beam loading at 2 mA is much higher than the LCLS-II linac. The control system architecture is analyzed and evaluated for the operational limits of feedback gains and their ability to meet the project regulation requirements for cavity field amplitude and phase regulation.

Varghese, P. [Fermilab] (ORCID:0009000925131983)↗
DOE OSTI2025

Simulation study of high-current 7 Li 3+ beam acceleration with laser ion source and RFQ linac using direct plasma injection

Accelerator-based neutron sources (ABNS) utilizing the 7 Li(p,n) 7 Be reaction in inverse kinematics offer strong forward-directed neutron emission, making them attractive for compact and clean neutron source with low background neutrons and unwanted radiation. However, practical use of such systems requires lithium ion beam currents that exceed the capability of conventional ion accelerators by two orders of magnitude. In this study, we numerically designed and evaluated a high-current acceleration system based on a direct plasma injection scheme (DPIS), combining a laser ion source (LIS) and a radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) linac. The ion extraction optics and RFQ entrance were optimized using IGUN, OPERA, and GPT, demonstrating that over 1.2 A-class beam current can be injected into the RFQ. The RFQ structure was designed under realistic engineering constraints including surface field strength (Kilpatrick factor) and RF power. GPT simulations showed that a 370 mA 7 Li 3+ beam can be successfully accelerated within a ±10 % energy spread. To validate downstream compatibility, we also designed a simplified medium-energy beam transport (MEBT) section and an interdigital H-type (IH) linac, confirming successful acceleration of a 320 mA beam to the total energy of 14 MeV. These results support the feasibility of the DPIS and RFQ approach as a promising solution for compact neutron sources and other high-intensity ion beam applications.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Transverse BBU Suppression with Feedback for Energy-Recovery Linacs

The Electron–Ion Collider (EIC) achieves its design luminosity by cooling the ion beam with a high-current electron beam generated in an energy-recovery linac (ERL). The baseline ERL lattice employs a BNL five-cell cavity that is frequency-scaled to 197 MHz, 591 MHz, and 1.773 GHz, raising concerns about multibunch beam-breakup (BBU) instabilities. Threshold currents for each frequency option are established with two independent BBU tracking codes, providing cross-validated operating margins that guide cavity selection. To further increase the current limit, we incorporate a digital transverse feedback (FB) system that targets the dominant higher-order modes (HOMs). Simulations show the FB raises the BBU threshold by roughly an order of magnitude: power-spectral-density analysis of the beam centroid at the linac exit confirms strong suppression of the aliased HOM peak, although some spectral growth appears at secondary frequencies. This combined study quantifies baseline BBU limits, demonstrates effective active mitigation, and charts a practical path toward robust, high-current operation of the EIC ERL.

Accelerator Physics↗
DOE OSTI2024

Space charge dominated momentum spread and compensation strategies in the post-linac section of Proton Improvement Plan-II at Fermilab

The upcoming Proton Improvement Plan-II (PIP-II), designated for enhancements to the Fermilab accelerator complex, features a new 800 MeV superconducting linac and a Beam Transfer Line (BTL) to transport the beam to the existing Booster synchrotron. To mitigate the space charge tune shift associated with a high intensity accumulated beam, the low emittance linac beam is used to paint the ring phase space both transversely and longitudinally. To prevent losses caused by particles injected outside the rf separatrix while painting longitudinal phase space, the momentum spread of the incoming beam should not exceed 2.1 x 10^-4. Detailed simulations showed that due to space charge, the rms momentum spread increases to 4 x 10^-4 while it is transported in the BTL --about twice the allowable limit. In this paper, we outline a mitigation strategy involving a debuncher cavity. We discuss location, operating frequency, and gap voltage under both nominal and perturbed beam conditions, specifically accounting for momentum jitter. The impact of cavity misalignments is also assessed. The paper concludes by recommending an optimized configuration.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Upgrade to Fixed and Translating Scintillation-based Loss Detector System in the Fermilab Drift Tube Linac

The closed-off structure of the Fermilab Drift Tube Linac precludes a robust array of instrumentation from directly monitoring the H- beam that is accelerated from 750 keV to 116 MeV. To improve beam tuning and operational assessment of Drift Tube Linac performance, scintillator-based loss monitors were previously installed along the exterior of the first two accelerating cavities to assess low energy beam losses. Here we present a recent upgrade to the loss monitor system, including significant improvements in analog signal processing to address baseline-interfering noise; digitization of the signals to enable regular operational use and tuning; and a new remote operation upgrade of the translating loss monitor with precise positioning of the loss monitor along its nine-foot track. Data from the fixed and translating detectors collected under varying beam conditions validate the utility of the upgrade.

Chen, E. V. [Fermilab]↗
DOE OSTI2026

Linac to BAR/RCS transfer line design for EIC electron injection system

A transfer line has been designed for the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) to transport electron bunches from the linac to the Rapid Cycling Synchrotron (RCS). In its initial operational stage, the line accommodates 1 nC electron bunches directly from the linac. To support a future upgrade involving a Beam Accumulator Ring (BAR), which will stack individual bunches to form high-charge 28 nC bunches, the design incorporates two switching dipoles enabling injection into and extraction from the BAR. Additionally, a beam dump has been included for operational flexibility and safety. The final segment of the line interfaces with the RCS through a modified Penner bend, preserving beam quality while satisfying geometric constraints. This layout ensures compatibility with both current and future operational modes of the EIC injection system.

Accelerator Physics↗
DOE OSTI2024

Space Charge Dominated Momentum Spread and Compensation Strategies in the Post-Linac Section of Proton Improvement Plan-II at Fermilab

The upcoming Proton Improvement Plan-II (PIP-II), designated for enhancements to the Fermilab accelerator complex, features a Beam Transfer Line (BTL) that channels the beam from the linac exit to the booster. In the absence of longitudinal focusing beyond the superconducting linac, the beam experiences an elevated momentum spread, primarily due to nonlinear space-charge forces, surpassing the allowable limit of 2.1e-4. This study presents a detailed examination of the space-charge-induced momentum spread and outlines mitigative strategies. The investigation includes the fine-tuning of a de-buncher cavity, analyzed in terms of operating frequency, longitudinal location, and gap voltage, under both standard and perturbed beam conditions—specifically accounting for momentum jitter and energy variation. The impact of buncher cavity misalignments on the beam's longitudinal phase space is also assessed. The paper concludes by recommending an optimized cavity configuration to effectively mitigate the observed increase in momentum spread along the BTL.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

LINAC Electrical Cabinets - Structural Analysis

Along LINAC s downstream path is a floor containing various cabinets above the LINAC. Of the dozens of cabinets are 4 specific cabinet types: PNF Modulator, PNF Power Supply, Water Skid, and Marx. Each of these cabinets may contain some of the various contents that include electronics, wiring, pipelines, circuits, and conduits. Lab Technicians perform maintenance and inspections of the cabinets and need to access every part, including the top section that is subject to the weight of the technician standing on top. To ensure the cabinet is structurally safe, a CAD model will be developed for each cabinet and a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) will be performed on each cabinet to confirm it is safe to stand on.

Blas, Efren↗
DOE OSTI2024

LINAC Longitudinal Simulation and Measurement of Output Energy

The Fermilab Linac, a pivotal and historic accelerator at Fermilab, is crucial to the laboratory's operations, supplying a 400 MeV beam to various acceleration facilities. Due to daily variations in the Linac's output energy, precise monitoring and machine tuning are important to ensure the exiting energy meets the Booster's acceptance criteria. To address this, Beam Position Monitors (BPMs) are employed to assess and adjust the beam's energy, providing essential data on both the transverse position and longitudinal phase of the beam. We also aim to regulate the longitudinal phase profile to match our simulation predictions. By utilizing a Python-based simulation and beam data from three BPMs, we can determine the optimal phasing correction required for the final RF stage to achieve the desired energy. Currently, the calculations of longitudinal phase profile are based on simulations, so additional research is needed to verify if the predicted longitudinal phase distribution aligns with actual real-world data.

Safaryan, Milena↗
DOE OSTI2024

Performance of the Fermilab Linac Injector

The Fermilab Linac injection line consists of a 35 keV magnetron-type H- ion source, two-solenoid Low Energy Beam Transport (LEBT), 201 MHz 4-rod 750 keV Radio Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ), and a Medium Energy Transport (MEBT) containing 4 quadrupoles and a bunching cavity. The injector delivers 25 mA, 48 s pulses to drift-tube Linac at a repetition rate of 15Hz. The transmission efficiency has been lower than expected since commissioning. Recent beam current measurements suggest that the beam is primarily lost upstream of the RFQ exit. Numerical simulations indicate that ions passing through the non-linear field region of the solenoids could produce a beam with an increased emittance resulting in up to 50 % of the LEBT beam current failing to meet the RFQ acceptance. An aperture restriction was installed upstream of the first solenoid to remove these ions. This report describes the results of measurements and simulations as well as the LEBT tuning.

Jones, Daniel C.↗
DOE OSTI2024

GRIDDED RF GUN DESIGN FOR SRF LINAC APPLICATIONS

The thermionic gridded gun is described which gener-ates short electron bunches for further acceleration in a Nb3Sn conduction cooled SRF linac. The gun is built into the first cavity of the 250 keV injector [1] for the 20 kW, 10 MeV, 1.3 GHz CW conduction cooled one-cavity linac. The beam current is 2 mA. The RF gun design is presented as well as the results of perveance measure-ments, which are in a good agreement with the design parameters. The design of the RF resonator of the gun is presented also. The beam generated by the gun is matched to the injector to provide lack of current inter-ception in the SRF cavity.

Gonin, I.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Warm Front End Upgrade for the PIP-II Linac

The warm front end for the PIP-II Linac consists of an Ion-source, an RFQ, and four buncher cavities. The LLRF systems for these were the first ones developed more than a decade ago for use at the test stands. Some were VXI crate based, and others used early generation FPGA boards that are light in resources. These LLRF systems and the one for the first superconducting cryomodule, the HWR will be upgraded with the ARRIA 10 SOC-FPGA chassis with EPICS interfaces like the rest of the PIP-II Linac. The RFQ and the HWR have unique resonance control systems which are integrated into the LLRF controller hardware. The results of the initial testing with a cavity emulator will be presented.

Reyes, Lennon [Fermilab] (ORCID:0009000891155652)↗
DOE OSTI2025

Measurements of the Beam Longitudinal Properties in the Fermilab Linac

The Fermilab Linac delivers 400MeV, 25mA H− beam. The longitudinal bunch parameters are reconstructed using a Bunch Shape Monitor (BSM) installed in the middle of the Linac. For that, the bunch length is measured as a function of the phase of an upstream cavity and fitted to simulations. The cavity gradient and its phase with respect to the beam are recovered from readings of Beam Position Monitors (BPMs). Since the cavity provides a significant transverse defocusing, the BSM measurements are correlated with transverse beam size measurements by a wire scanner (WS). Simulations connect these three types of measurements, allowing to deduce the longitudinal emittance and Courant-Snyder parameters.

Sharankova, Ralitsa Valentinova [Fermilab] (ORCID:↗