Workbench-size particle accelerators, enabled by Nb3Sn-based superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities, hold the potential of driving scientific discovery by offering a widely accessible and affordable source of high-energy electrons and x-rays. Thin-film Nb3Sn RF superconductors with high quality factors, high operation temperatures, and high-field potentials are critical for these devices. However, surface roughness, non-stoichiometry, and impurities in Nb3Sn deposited by conventional Sn-vapor diffusion prevent them from reaching their theoretical capabilities. Here we demonstrate a seed-free electrochemical synthesis that pushes the limit of chemical and physical properties in Nb3Sn. Utilization of electrochemical Sn pre-deposits reduces the roughness of converted Nb3Sn by five times compared to typical vapor-diffused Nb3Sn. Quantitative mappings using chemical and atomic probes confirm improved stoichiometry and minimized impurity concentrations in electrochemically synthesized Nb3Sn. We have successfully applied this Nb3Sn to the large-scale 1.3 GHz SRF cavity and demonstrated ultra-low BCS surface resistances at multiple operation temperatures, notably lower than vapor-diffused cavities. Our smooth, homogeneous, high-purity Nb3Sn provides the route toward high efficiency and high fields for SRF applications under helium-free cryogenic operations.
Nb3Sn is currently the most promising material other than niobium for future superconducting radiofrequency cavities. Critical fields above 120 mT in pulsed operation and about 80 mT in CW have been achieved in cavity tests. This is large compared to the lower critical field as derived from the London penetration depth, extracted from low field surface impedance measurements. In this paper direct measurements of the London penetration depth from which the lower critical field and the superheating field are derived are presented. The field of first vortex penetration is measured under DC and RF fields. The combined results confirm that Nb3Sn cavities are indeed operated in a metastable state above the lower critical field but are currently limited to a critical field well below the superheating field.
more » « less- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10307845
- Publisher / Repository:
- IOP Publishing
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Superconductor Science and Technology
- Volume:
- 32
- Issue:
- 7
- ISSN:
- 0953-2048
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- Article No. 075004
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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Abstract -
Niobium-3 tin (Nb3Sn) is a promising alternative material for SRF cavities, with theoretical limits for critical temperatures and superheating fields reaching twice that of conventional Nb cavities. However, currently achievable accelerating gradients in Nb3Sn cavities are much lower than their theoretical limit. One limitation to the maximum accelerating gradient is surface magnetic field enhancement caused by the surface roughness of Nb3Sn. However, there are currently no standard techniques used to reduce Nb3Sn surface roughness. Since Nb3Sn is only 2-3 microns thick, it is difficult to selectively polish Nb3Sn without removing the entire layer. Here, we investigate reducing the surface roughness of Nb3Sn through applying chemical polishing treatments, including modified versions of standard techniques such as Buffered Chemical Polishing (BCP) and Electropolishing (EP). Through data acquired from Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) scans, SEM scans, and SEM-EDS analysis, we show the effects of these chemical treatments in reducing surface roughness and consider the changes in the chemical composition of Nb3Sn that may occur through the etching process. We find that BCP with a 1:1:8 solution is ineffective while EP halves the surface roughness of Nb3Sn.more » « less
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Abstract Nb3Sn is a promising next-generation material for superconducting radiofrequency cavities, with significant potential for both large scale and compact accelerator applications. However, so far, Nb3Sn cavities have been limited to continuous wave accelerating fields <18 MV m−1. In this paper, new results are presented with significantly higher fields, as high as 24 MV m−1in single cell cavities. Results are also presented from the first ever Nb3Sn-coated 1.3 GHz 9-cell cavity, a full-scale demonstration on the cavity type used in production for the European XFEL and LCLS-II. Results are presented together with heat dissipation curves to emphasize the potential for industrial accelerator applications using cryocooler-based cooling systems. The cavities studied have an atypical shiny visual appearance, and microscopy studies of witness samples reveal significantly reduced surface roughness and smaller film thickness compared to typical Nb3Sn films for superconducting cavities. Possible mechanisms for increased maximum field are discussed as well as implications for physics of RF superconductivity in the low coherence length regime. Outlook for continued development is presented.
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