Advanced High-Brightness Electron Source

High-repetition-rate (>1 MHz), high-bunch-charge (up to 1 nC) electron sources will be critical components of next generation light sources, which will be needed to upgrade DOE user facilities. These electron sources must possess high gradients at the cathode surface to provide for low emittance electron bunches. In order to achieve the desired performance levels (= 1 mmmrad at appropriate bunch charge values); high-brightness injectors will be required. This project will develop and test an oxygen-free electrolytic copper, radio frequency (RF), photocathode gun that can operate with continuous wave RF at a cathode gradient in excess of 10 MV/m, thus producing low emittance electron bunches at high repetition rates. Phase I will analyze the feasibility of the injector concept. If promising, the electron source will be built in Phase II. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee In addition to energy-recovery linacs for basic research, the electron source could be used in other radiation sources to produce high-power, coherent radiation via coherent synchrotron radiation and free electron lasers. The source also could find application as the front end of high-power electron accelerators for materials processing and sterilization.