Improving Interface Physics Understanding in High-Frequency Cryogenic Normal Conducting Cavities

TL;DR

This paper advances understanding of RF surface resistivity in cryogenic normal conducting cavities through combined experimental and theoretical analysis, revealing nuances, local minima, and improvements in quality factor at cryogenic temperatures for accelerator applications.

Contribution

It introduces refined models for RF surface resistivity, addresses systemic prediction errors, and provides experimental data on cavity performance at cryogenic temperatures in the C-band.

Findings

Achieved nearly 3x improvement in quality factor at 77K

Observed local minima in surface resistivity above 0K

Compared models incorporating thin film behavior for resistivity prediction

Abstract

As progress towards real implementations of cryogenic high gradient normal conducting accelerating cavities continues, a more mature understanding of the surface physics in this novel environment becomes increasingly necessary. To this end, we here focus on developing a deeper understanding of one cavity figure of merit, the radiofrequency (RF) surface resistivity, $R_s$. A combination of experimental measurements and theory development form the basis of this work. For many cases, existing theory is sufficient but there are nuances leading to systemic errors in prediction which we address here. In addition, for certain cases there exist unexpected local minimum in $R_s$ found at temperatures above 0K. We compare here several alternative models for RF surface resistivity those which incorporate thin film like behavior which we use to predict the location of the local minimum in surface resistivity. Our experimental results focus on C-band frequencies for the benefit of several future cryogenic linear accelerator concepts intended to operate in this regime. To this end we have measured factor of $2.89\pm 0.05$ improvements in quality factor at $77$K and $4.61\pm 0.05$ at 45K. We further describe the test setup and cooling capabilities to address systematic issues associated with the measurements as well as a comparison of RF cavity preparation and the significant effect on $R_s$. Some implications of our measurements to linear accelerators combined with the theoretical considerations are extended to a wider range of frequencies especially the two additional aforementioned bands. Additional possible implications for condensed matter physics studies are mentioned.