First 3D Printed IH-Type Linac Structure -- Proof-of-Concept for Additive Manufacturing of Linac rf Cavities

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the successful design and fabrication of a 3D printed IH-type drift tube structure for particle accelerators, showcasing the potential of additive manufacturing for complex RF cavity components.

Contribution

It is the first to produce a fully functional IH-type drift tube structure via metal 3D printing, including UHV capability and integrated cooling channels.

Findings

First 3D printed IH-type drift tube structure

Prototype operates at 433 MHz with experimental validation

Design includes cooling channels for thermal management

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (or "3D printing") has become a powerful tool for rapid prototyping and manufacturing of complex geometries. As technology is evolving, the quality and accuracy of parts manufactured this way is ever improving. Especially interesting for the world of particle accelerators is the process of 3D printing of stainless steel (and copper) parts. We present the first fully functional IH-type drift tube structure manufactured by metal 3D printing. A 433 MHz prototype cavity has been constructed to act as a proof-of-concept for the technology. The cavity is designed to be UHV capable and includes cooling channels reaching into the stems of the DTL structure. We present the first experimental results for this prototype.