Global technology group Rohde & Schwarz offers test and measurement solutions to advance the performance and reliability of accelerator RF systems.
Radio frequency (RF) systems are central to particle accelerators, and they require a wide variety of test and measurement equipment in both their developmental and operational stages. Precise, dependable instrumentation is essential for monitoring and controlling different aspects of RF systems.
RF systems generate, control and manage the electric fields used for particle acceleration. Central to these systems are RF cavities, which are evacuated metallic structures that support an electric field at a specific (radio) frequency. RF pulses are used to generate electric fields within these cavities, and the cavities have specific resonant frequencies that match the frequency of the pulses. Charged particles gain energy from these fields as they pass through the cavities at precise moments.
Monitoring RF signals in the time domain
Monitoring RF signals in the time domain is crucial for detecting and analysing transients, phase shifts and other dynamic behaviours that can affect system performance. For such time domain analyses, oscilloscopes are essential.
The MXO 5 oscilloscope from Rohde & Schwarz is a true pioneer in test and measurement technology. As the world’s first eight-channel oscilloscope that offers 4.5 million acquisitions/s, the MXO 5 sets a new standard in real time signal capture. The fast Fourier transform (FFT) technology of the MXO 5 is unique: the oscilloscope can show four FFTs in parallel with a maximum update rate of 45,000 FFT/s per channel.
For the same capabilities in a compact form factor, check out the MXO 5C. It is a screenless oscilloscope that occupies significantly lower vertical space compared to the MXO 5. This is great for space efficiency on the rack as well as for connecting with an MXO 5C oscilloscope to increase available channels (figure 1).
Master oscillator in storage ring
The master oscillator is at the heart of the storage ring and serves as the primary source of timing and synchronisation for the entire accelerator system. It generates a stable and precise reference frequency, which is used to ensure that RF cavities operate at a frequency that matches the revolution frequency of the particles.
The R&S®SMA100B RF and microwave signal generator is ideal for this purpose (figure 2). As the world’s leading signal generator, it can handle the most demanding test and measurement tasks on both module and system levels. With the R&S®SMA100B, it is no longer necessary to choose between signal purity and high output power: it is the only signal generator on the market that can supply signals with ultra high output power in combination with extremely low harmonic signal components. It is also capable of generating microwave signals with extremely low close in SSB phase noise, which improves operation efficiency by helping to prevent large energy spreads within particle beams.
Amplifying RF pulses
Broadband amplifiers are used to amplify RF pulses to the required power levels. In a typical setup, an amplifier might be connected to an RF source generating the base signal. The amplifier boosts this base signal to a specified power level before it is fed into the RF cavities of the accelerator.
The Rohde & Schwarz high power transmitter and broadband amplifiers address customer demands for the highest amplitude and phase stability, lowest phase noise, top energy efficiency, small footprint and modular design. The R&S®BBA150 and R&S®BBA300 are robust solid state power amplifiers and cover ultra broad frequency ranges. They have high availability, and their modular designs allow for experimental flexibility that enables quick reconfiguration to support different setups and eliminates the need for multiple dedicated amplifiers.
Minimising phase noise
The phase of the RF cavity electric field must be extremely stable; phase noise can cause particles to experience different levels of acceleration, leading to the energy spread of particles.
An important aspect of minimising phase noise is introducing advanced feedback systems. Accelerators should be equipped with real time monitoring and feedback systems that continuously adjust the phase of the RF pulses to counteract any phase noise that does arise. The R&S®FSWP phase-noise analyser and voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) tester is the optimum solution for precise phase-noise measurement. It is ideal for pulsed signals and has an internal source for measuring additive phase noise.
Rohde & Schwarz – partner to the global research community
Rohde & Schwarz has 90 years of experience in high-energy RF signal generation, signal amplification and state-of-the-art test and measurement solutions. We have built up long-lasting relationships within the global research community, offering our expertise and market-leading solutions to labs and institutions worldwide. From beam testing to safe particle storage, we have the background to help you address the highly sophisticated requirements of accelerator testing.
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