Continuous wave superconducting radio frequency electron linac for nuclear physics research

TL;DR

This paper reviews the development and performance of the superconducting RF technology used in CEBAF, a continuous wave electron linac that has advanced nuclear physics research since 1995.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution, implementation, and performance of SRF systems in CEBAF from inception to the 12 GeV upgrade.

Findings

Successful implementation of SRF technology in a continuous wave electron linac

Achievement of 12 GeV beam energy for advanced nuclear physics research

Enhanced precision in probing nuclear structure and dynamics

Abstract

CEBAF, the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility, has been actively serving the nuclear physics research community as a unique forefront international resource since 1995. This CW electron linear accelerator (linac) at the U.S. Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab) has continued to evolve as a precision tool for discerning the structure and dynamics within nuclei. Superconducting RF (SRF) technology has been the essential foundation for CEBAF, first as a 4 GeV machine, then 6 GeV, and currently capable of 12 GeV. We review the development, implementation, and performance of SRF systems for CEBAF from its early beginnings to the commissioning of the 12 GeV era.