Bright Electron Source for X-ray Free Electron Lasers
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Bhandari, Harish↗
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DOE Phase II Final Technical Report Bright Electron Source for X-ray Free Electron Lasers Award Number DE-SC0020607 Prepared for U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, SC-1 For the Period May 3, 2021 – August 2, 2024 Report Date November 25, 2024 Submitted by Harish B. Bhandari, Ph.D., Principal Investigator Report Contributors Dr. Oleg Maksimov, RMD Inc. Dr. Bryan Rachmilowitz, RMD Inc. Dr. Jared Maxson, Cornell University Dr. Hisato Yamaguchi, LANL
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Bhandari, Harish↗
MAGNETIZED GRIDDED THERMIONIC ELECTRON SOURCE
A crucial part of achieving JLab's proposed electron ion collider (JLEIC) design luminosity is the application of electron cooling to reduce the ion emittance. One required cooling method is Bunched Beam Cooling (BBC). This cooling process requires beam characteristics that are difficult to achieve. In particular, a high current magnetized electron beam. Here we present a magnetized gridded cathode thermionic electron source, deigned and built by Xelera Research LLC as part of the DOE SBIR program, that could represent the correct technology to use in achieving BBC, as well as a beamline at JLab that will be used to characterize the source.
Stefani, M.↗
A compact electron source for the dielectric laser accelerator
In this work, we design and demonstrate a compact electron source that combines an integrated silicon nanotip photoemitter with a compact silicon-based electrostatic lens. The lens simultaneously accelerates electrons to 30 keV and focuses the resulting beam to a 0.4 μm (RMS) beam diameter with 62 pm-rad normalized emittance at a distance of 20 mm from the cathode. The compact nature of this lens provides a compelling source for dielectric laser accelerator (DLA) beamlines, ultrafast electron diffraction, or ultrafast electron microscopy. Driven by a 220 fs, 1960 nm pulsed laser beam, electron currents up to 28 electrons/pulse at 100 kHz are demonstrated. The electron bunch length is 540 ± 50 fs for photocurrents of <1 electron/pulse, increasing to 700 ± 80 fs for 28 electrons/pulse, as measured by cross correlation with a 220 fs pulsed laser beam. The maximum 5D peak brightness is measured to be 6.8 × 10 13 A/(m 2 rad 2 ) at 28 electrons/pulse. These results represent a significant step toward developing practical benchtop-sized linear accelerators based on DLA technology or compact ultrafast electron microscopy and diffraction applications.
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
Modeling strain and quantum confinement in GaAs/Ga x In 1−x P superlattices for spin-polarized electron sources
In this study, we systematically design and simulate a series of GaAs-based superlattice configurations aimed at enhancing heavy-hole–light-hole band splitting while simultaneously optimizing band alignment to reduce the conduction band barrier, thereby facilitating efficient electron transport. These combined effects are crucial for achieving high electron spin polarization and high quantum efficiency, the two key performance metrics of next-generation spin-polarized electron sources. We investigated three types of superlattice architectures: (1) compressively strained GaAs wells on GaInP barriers, yielding a maximum band splitting of 140 meV, (2) lattice-matched GaAs/GaInP structures, resulting in the maximum band splitting of 75 meV, and (3) tensile strained GaAs wells on GaInP barriers, with a maximum band splitting of 40 meV. The results demonstrate the tunability of heavy-hole–light-hole band splitting and establish a design framework for high-performance spin-polarized photocathodes based on a combination of strain engineering, quantum confinement, and optimized heterostructure design.
Electron sources↗
Mathematical model and software complex for computer simulation of field emission electron sources
The software complex developed in MATLAB allows modelling of function of diode and triode structures based on field emission electron sources with complex sub-micron geometry, their volt-ampere characteristics, calculating distribution of electric field for educational and research needs. The goal of this paper is describing the physical-mathematical model, calculation methods and algorithms the software complex is based on, demonstrating the principles of its function and showing results of its work. For getting to know the complex, a demo version with graphical user interface is presented.
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
Enhanced field emission from cerium hexaboride coated multiwalled carbon nanotube composite films: A potential material for next generation electron sources
Intensified field emission (FE) current from temporally stable cerium hexaboride (CeB{sub 6}) coated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on Si substrate is reported aiming to propose the new composite material as a potential candidate for future generation electron sources. The film was synthesized by a combination of chemical and physical deposition processes. A remarkable increase in maximum current density, field enhancement factor, and a reduction in turn-on field and threshold field with comparable temporal current stability are observed in CeB{sub 6}-coated CNT film when compared to pristine CeB{sub 6} film. The elemental composition and surface morphology of the films, as examined by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray measurements, show decoration of CeB{sub 6} nanoparticles on top and walls of CNTs. Chemical functionalization of CNTs by the incorporation of CeB{sub 6} nanoparticles is evident by a remarkable increase in intensity of the 2D band in Raman spectrum of coated films as compared to pristine CeB{sub 6} films. The enhanced FE properties of the CeB{sub 6} coated CNT films are correlated to the microstructure of the films.
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
Microsecond Electron Beam Source with Electron Energy Up to 400 Kev and Plasma Anode
A new high-power source of electrons with plasma anode for producing high-current microsecond electron beams with electron energy up to 400 keV has been developed, manufactured, and put in operation. To increase the cross section and pulse current duration of the beam, a multipoint explosive emission cathode is used in the electron beam source, and the beam is formed in an applied external guiding magnetic field. The Marx generator with vacuum insulation is used as a high-voltage source. Electron beams with electron energy up to 300–400 keV, current of 5–15 kA, duration of 1.5–3 μs, energy up to 4 kJ, and cross section up to 150 cm{sup 2} have been produced. The operating modes of the electron beam source are realized in which the applied voltage is influenced weakly on the current. The possibility of source application for melting of metal surfaces is demonstrated.
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
Final Report for GaAsSb/AlGaAsP Superlattice Polarized Electron Source
This document is the final report for the Phase-II program titled “GaAsSb/AlGaAsP Superlattice Polarized Electron Source”, contract #DE-SC0009516. The goal of this research was to investigate and implement a novel photocathode with polarized electron emission based on GaAsSb/AlGaAsP superlattice (SL) materials. The GaAsSb/AlGaAsP SL photocathode was explored to produce polarized electron emission with improved polarization at high emission current, with particular application to high energy physics research. Specifically, the strain-compensated structure GaAsSb/AlGaAsP SL was considered to be a better design of polarized photocathode with high polarization and high quantum efficiency. Of note was the addition of the element antimony (Sb), compared to the now standard GaAs/GaAsP SL design. This photocathode structure was then to be combined with an integrated photon reflecting mirror to further enhance the quantum efficiency. Despite the theoretical modeling which identified GaAsSb material as being more suitable to polarized emission, actualized Sb-based photocathodes demonstrated reduced polarization compared to the standard structure. Because the GaAsSb/AlGaAsP was not yet mature enough, this program concluded by integrating the proven GaAs/GaAsP SL with the semiconductor-based reflector. Using this approach the measured quantum efficiency (QE) of the device was over 4 times greater than previous polarized-emission photocathodes which lacked a reflector, and the QE of 6.4% is the world record setting value for this type of high polarization device. During this Phase-II effort the integrated superlattice and mirror structure was successfully designed, implemented and characterized, confirming the soundness of the approach.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Field-Emission Electron Source Embedded in a Field-Enhanced Conduction-Cooled Superconducting RF Cavity
We present simulations and experimental progress toward the development of a high-current electron source with the potential to deliver high charge electron bunches at GHz-level repetition rates. To achieve these goals electrons are generated through field-emission and the cathode is immersed in a conduction-cooled superconducting 650-MHz RF cavity. The field-emitters consist of microscopic silicon pyramids and have a typical enhancement factor of about 500. To trigger field-emission, the peak field inside the RF cavity of about 6 MV/m is further enhanced by placing the field-emitters on the top of a superconducting Nb rod inserted in the RF cavity. So far, we cannot control the duration of the electron bunches which is of the order of RF period. Also, the present cryo-cooler power of about 2 W limits the beam current to microamp level.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
Pure electron plasmas confined for 90 ms in a stellarator without electron sources or internal objects
We report on the creation and up to 90 ms sustainment of pure electron plasmas confined in a stellarator without internal objects. Injection of positrons into such plasmas is expected to lead to the creation of the first electron-positron plasma experiments. These newly created plasmas will also allow a study of pure electron plasmas without the perturbing presence of internal objects. The plasmas were created by thermionic emission of electrons from a heated, biased filament that was retracted in 20 ms. The confinement of these transient plasmas is different from that of steady state plasmas with internal objects and emissive filaments, and is generally shorter, limited by ion buildup. The decay time is increased by lowering the neutral pressure, lowering the electron plasma temperature, or operating with neutrals with high ionization energies (helium). These findings are all consistent with ion accumulation being the cause for the shorter than expected confinement times. The magnetic field strength also moderately increases the decay times. The deleterious effect of ions is not expected to imply a similar deleterious effect when introducing positrons, but it implies that ion accumulation must be avoided also in an electron-positron experiment.
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
Reply to “Comment on ‘Optically pumped spin-exchange polarized-electron source’ ”
In the proceeding Comment [1] on our recent report of a Rb spin-exchange polarized-electron source [2], Williams et al . contend: (a) that our source is poorly characterized compared with modern GaAs sources, (b) that we have overstated the difficulties of using GaAs photoemission sources, and (c) that our explanation of various physics issues related to the source's operating principles are not cogent.
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
Deposition of dielectric films on silicon using a fore-vacuum plasma electron source
We describe an experiment on the use of a fore-vacuum-pressure, plasma-cathode, electron beam source with current up to 100 mA and beam energy up to 15 keV for deposition of Mg and Al oxide films on Si substrates in an oxygen atmosphere at a pressure of 10 Pa. The metals (Al and Mg) were evaporated and ionized using the electron beam with the formation of a gas-metal beam-plasma. The plasma was deposited on the surface of Si substrates. The elemental composition of the deposited films was analyzed.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
Plasma electron source for the generation of wide-aperture pulsed beam at forevacuum pressures
This article reports on design and application of wide-aperture pulsed beam source, based on hollow cathode discharge. The source is intended for electron beam generation in pressure range 2-15 Pa. Multi-aperture extraction system, used in a source, provided beam cross-section uniformity of 10% on diameter 40 mm. The limiting values of the current density, pulse duration, and accelerating voltage are 350 mA/cm{sup 2}, 250 {mu}s, and 10 kV, respectively. These parameters are sufficient for surface modification of various materials, including non-conducting matters.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
Preliminary design and optimization of a G-band extended interaction oscillator based on a pseudospark-sourced electron beam
The design and simulation of a G-band extended interaction oscillator (EIO) driven by a pseudospark-sourced electron beam is presented. The characteristic of the EIO and the pseudospark-based electron beam were studied to enhance the performance of the newly proposed device. The beam-wave interaction of the EIO can be optimized by choosing a suitable pseudospark discharging voltage and by widening the operating voltage region of the EIO circuit. Simulation results show that a peak power of over 240 W can be achieved at G-band using a pseudospark discharge voltage of 41 kV.
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
PART 2: Initial Beam Dynamics Results of an Integrated and Compact 1.3 GHZ Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) Electron Source
This paper is the continuation of a technical paper which is called “Detailed Electromagnetic Design of an Integrated and Compact 1.3 GHz Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) Electron Source” [1]. In the previous paper, we examined if a promising RF electromagnetic design of the gun and cathode region could be achieved. Further, we examined if this gun region could be fully integrated, in terms of the electromagnetic RF design, with the rest of the accelerator, keeping in mind the overall goal of compactness and reduction of duplicative infrastructure commonly associated with separated function electron guns and structures. While we convinced ourselves thus far that the RF electromagnetic design of our concept is feasible, we also needed to perform particle tracking to assess the beam properties through the entire system, understand and remediate any beam loss. For this step, we examined the cathode region and analyzed the gating process of the thermionic cathode, as losses would most likely be attributed to releasing electrons into the accelerating structure during an unfavorable phase window.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
High Average Current Bunched Electron Source for RF Accelerators
High-average current high-quality electron beams are imperative for high-power RF accelerators used in various energy and environmental applications in industry, medicine, and national security as well as for advanced existing and future accelerator systems such as PIP II, particle colliders (eRHIC BNL) for cooling high-energy proton, ion, and hadron beams, storage rings, wakefield accelerators (AWA), and energy recovery linacs. The most common current approach to generate high-peak current high-brightness short electron bunches uses photoemission excited by intense laser radiation. However, to avoid overheating photocathodes are operated at a subharmonic of the linac frequency that in turn restricts the average beam current. There are also limitations in the electron-beam average current due to the average power available from drive lasers. On the other hand, the state of the art thermionic sources that produce high average current electron beams do not have yet good emission gating methods to realize sufficiently short and good quality electron bunches. We develop a robust thermionic electron source (e-source) of >1 A average current with advanced gating of the emission at the linac-frequency and its 3rd harmonic. Central to the approach is a novel scheme for energy efficient feeding of the 3rd-harmonic power in the RF gap. The cathode is attached to the gun cavity through this small emission-gating gap in which the RF modes are excited. The use of thermionic emission allows for the desired high-average current CW electron beams. Adding the 3rd emission gating harmonic shortens the electron bunches and by this means lessens impact of the RF curvature on the beam quality resulting in the smaller energy spread and bunch emittances. Such high current electron beam is suitable for injection into high-power normal- or superconducting linacs in CW mode at a high repetition rate of the linac frequency. In Phase I, we performed modeling and beam dynamics, parametric, and optimization studies. A >1A average current e-source with 200,000hrs lifetime expectancy has been demonstrated in the simulations. We have developed baseline design of the e-source and its components. It is anticipated that the e-source will be in demand for normal- and superconducting particle accelerators and will benefit many commercial and energy and environmental applications such as treating waste and potable water, sludge, stack gases, and medical waste as well as X-ray sources for medicine, sterilization, materials processing, geology, and non-intrusive imaging.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
Public Data Set: Impedance of an Intense Plasma-Cathode Electron Source for Tokamak Plasma Startup
This data set contains openly-documented, machine readable digital research data corresponding to figures published in E.T. Hinson et al., 'Impedance of an Intense Plasma-Cathode Electron Source for Tokamak Plasma Startup,' Physics of Plasmas 23, 052515 (2016).
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗