Electron Gun and Beam Collector for a 650-kW, 1.3-GHz Low-Voltage Multi-Beam Klystron for the Project-X Pulsed Linac

The 8 GeV pulsed linear accelerator that is being planned at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL) as part of its Project X requires a high-power radio frequency amplifier with parameters that are not available from commercial sources. Omega-P, Inc., in a technical collaboration with FNAL, is to develop, build, and deliver for tests at FNAL, a 500-kW, 1.3 GHz multi-beam klystron to fulfill FNAL needs. A multi-beam klystron can have parameters to meet FNAL needs, but must be designed and built anew since the required parameters go well beyond those of available devices. This challenge is addressed by devising new designs for two of the four chief elements of the tube: electron gun, and beam collector; the RF cavity chain and magnetic circuit are being developed under a separate grant. Advanced multi-dimensional computer simulation codes were used in Phase I to develop conceptual designs for a 6-beam electron gun and a 6-channel beam collector for the 500-kW, 1.3 GHz multi-beam klystron for the FNAL Project-X 8 GeV pulsed linear accelerator. These designs were closely coordinated with designs for the RF cavity chain and magnetic circuit being developed under a separate grant. In Phase II, Omega-P, Inc. will work with a vendor on engineering to translate the Phase I conceptual designs for the electron gun and beam collector to allow fabrication and assembly of the 500-kW, 1.3 GHz multi-beam klystron, incorporating the engineered RF cavity chain and magnetic circuit being developed under a separate grant. The completed multi-beam klystron will be installed and tested at FNAL. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Sales of 500-kW, 1.3 GHz multi-beam klystrons to FNAL are anticipated, for initial testing of the structures and components for their 8 GeV pulsed linear accelerator, and later for installation on the accelerator itself; this commercial opportunity has a market potential of over $100 million within the first ten years of commercialization. Sales of this tube, or of closely related versions, can also be anticipated to other research institutions domestic and internationaland to industrial organizations, with a potentially larger sales volume. Omega-Ps marketing strategy will rely upon one or more licensees for manufacture and sale of its multi-beam klystrons.