Design and technology of high-power couplers, with a special view on superconducting RF

TL;DR

This paper reviews the design and technology of high-power RF couplers, emphasizing their critical role in superconducting RF systems for accelerators, focusing on RF, vacuum, and mechanical considerations.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of high-power coupler design principles and technological challenges specific to superconducting RF applications.

Findings

Effective RF and mechanical design improves reliability

High-quality fabrication is essential for performance

Design considerations are critical for superconducting RF systems

Abstract

The high-power RF coupler is the connecting part between the RF transmission line and the RF cavity and provides the electromagnetic power to the cavity and the particle beam. In addition to this RF function it also has to provide the vacuum barrier for the beam vacuum. High-power couplers are one of the most critical parts of the RF cavity system in an accelerator. A good RF and mechanical design as well as a high quality fabrication are essential for efficient and reliable operation of an accelerator.