Precision Vector Control of a Superconducting RF Cavity driven by an Injection Locked Magnetron

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a cost-effective method for precise amplitude and phase regulation of superconducting RF cavities using an injection-locked magnetron, achieving high stability and dynamic range.

Contribution

It introduces a novel vector control technique for magnetrons driving SRF cavities, enabling tight regulation with improved stability and cost savings.

Findings

Amplitude dynamic range of 30 dB achieved

Amplitude stability of 0.3% r.m.s.

Phase stability of 0.26 degrees r.m.s.

Abstract

The technique presented in this paper enables the regulation of both radio frequency amplitude and phase in narrow band devices such as a Superconducting RF (SRF) cavity driven by constant power output devices i.e. magnetrons. The ability to use low cost high efficiency magnetrons for accelerator RF power systems, with tight vector regulation, presents a substantial cost savings in both construction and operating costs compared to current RF power system technology. An operating CW system at 2.45 GHz has been experimentally developed. Vector control of an injection locked magnetron has been extensively tested and characterized with a SRF cavity as the load. Amplitude dynamic range of 30 dB, amplitude stability of 0.3% r.m.s, and phase stability of 0.26 degrees r.m.s. has been demonstrated.