Speaker
Description
The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) is upgrading its High Intensity Proton Accelerator (HIPA) facility to enhance beam power and improve reliability. As part of this effort, the upgrade of the RF system for the Injector 2 cyclotron began several years ago. To increase the energy gain per turn, the two 150 MHz flattop cavities were replaced by higher-voltage 50 MHz aluminum cavities. New frequency tuners resolved initial mechanical issues, ensuring optimal operation of the setup. The upgrade program also includes replacing the old LLRF and amplifier system for all four resonators. Measurements with Resonator 2 in 2023 confirmed the desired higher beam acceleration characteristics, and since June 2024, the new Resonator 2 has been used for regular beam operation.
After an unrepairable failure of the very old 150 MHz amplifier for Resonator 4, two 10 kW SSAs were combined in 2023 to enable a setup for 2 mA beam current using three resonators. Following the successful tests with the new Resonator 2 in 2023, the new Resonator 4 was installed in the cyclotron this year. The installations for the LLRF and amplifiers are currently in progress and will undergo testing during 2024.
This talk summarizes the latest progress in the PSI Injector 2 upgrade project, emphasizing the technical and operational challenges.
