Technology at Daresbury laboratory and the University of Huddersfield delivered one of the largest UK in-kind contributions to the European Spallation Source (ESS), the complete RFDS for the cold linac.
The ESS is one of the most important particle accelerator projects in the world and is currently under construction in Lund, Sweden. Once complete, it will be the world’s more powerful superconducting linear accelerator and the most powerful source of neutrons for studying the structure and composition of materials at the atomic scale.
A diagram of the accelerator building and Klystron galleries
To generate the neutrons, the ESS relies on a linear proton accelerator. To achieve this, protons will be accelerated through superconducting cryomodules which will be powered by RF amplifiers located in the Klystron gallery building (above ground), while the accelerator will be in a concrete-shielded accelerator tunnel below. As such, the RFDS will pass through a series of labyrinths, which provide shielding, whilst connecting the Klystron gallery to the accelerator tunnel.
The £20M project included the design and delivery of the complete RFDS for the cold linac. The RFDS was designed to help minimise losses, reduce reflections and prevent damage to the amplifiers. Technology at Daresbury’s contribution also included testing and commissioning the major mechanical supporting super-structures for all related RF equipment in the Klystron galleries and accelerator tunnel.
A number of teams from Daresbury Laboratory provided expertise in the design, prototyping, testing, procurement, installation and commissioning, these include:
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Project and Mechanical Engineering Group – providing project management, mechanical design, analysis and onsite support.
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Mechanical, Metrology and Technical Engineering Group – prototype testing.
