High-Power RF Linac for the Spallation Neutron Source

Donald J. Rej, LANL, STB-DSTBP

The Spallation Neutron Source is a $1.4B DOE project to develop the world's most intense source of neutrons for fundamental science and industrial applications. Design and construction of this facility, located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, is a joint venture between six DOE laboratories. Construction began in 1999 and is currently ahead of the scheduled 2006 completion date. The accelerator includes a 37-m-long, 87-MeV drift-tube linac (DTL), followed by a 55-m, 186-MeV coupled-cavity linac (CCL), and a 157-m, 1-GeV superconducting linac that can be straightforwardly upgraded to 1.3 GeV at a later date. In this talk, we will review the physics requirements, design, construction, installation, and first commissioning results of the 1-GeV, 1.4-MW average power RF linac for SNS. Commissioning of the first DTL tank began in August 2003. Beam was accelerated on the first pulse, and the required 38 mA current (1 mA average) was rapidly attained. Approximately 100% of the beam was transmitted while achieving the emittance goal of 0.3 pi-mm-mrad. Lessons learned on joint venture relationships, organizational structure, and project and vendor management will be shared.

The P/T Colloquium is
typically held each
Thursday, 3:45–5:00 PM.
Refreshments are served
at 3:15 PM.