ITS@APS - Injector Test Stand at the Advanced Photon Source
The Injector Test Stand (ITS) at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) is a highly versatile and independent facility dedicated to research in electron gun development, injector characterization, and beam diagnostics testing. ITS integrates a state-of-the-art RF system and laser with adaptable in-house electron sources, providing a robust platform for advancing R&D in next-generation electron sources, low-energy beam diagnostics, and innovative technologies for compact radiation sources. This facility enables researchers to explore novel approaches to electron beam generation and manipulation, supporting the development of high-performance injectors and diagnostics critical for future accelerator applications.
Facility bio
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Beam Type | Electrons |
| Beam Energy | 3 MeV (nominally, depending on electron source) |
| Repetition Rate | 1 - 30 Hz |
| Bunch Charge | 120 nC in a S-band micro-bunch train at 200 mA |
| Bunch length (sigma), μm | 3 - 3 mm (compression available with an alpha magnet) |
| Beam spot size (sigma), μm | 100, 5000 |
| Notes | Nominally, the beam is generated from a thermionic RF gun as a macropulse consisting of a microbunch train at 2856 MHz, with each microbunch charge ~ 50 pC. |
Science specialists: The Injector Test Stand (ITS) is supported by a dedicated team of experts at the Advanced Photon Source (APS), encompassing a wide range of specialized skills. The team includes professionals in radio frequency systems, beam diagnostics, control systems (including the deployment of advanced AI/ML live-optimization algorithms), laser systems and synchronization, beam dynamics calculations, and electron source technologies. In addition to its research capabilities, ITS provides critical support for installation tasks, including ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems and seamless integration with the EPICS control system. This combination of technical expertise and infrastructure ensures that ITS remains a cutting-edge facility, enabling innovative research and development in accelerator science while supporting the broader APS mission.
Capabilities
Available tools:
· Available 30 MW klystron at 2.856 GHz (w/ PFN modulator) with extensive waveguide distribution network
· Versatile beamline comprising quadrupole, dipole and alpha magnets and beam diagnostics (charge, beam distribution,…)
· All component installed on modular Thompson-rail system
· EPICS-based control system → remote run possible
· Collocated to a 4-mJ IR Yb:GW laser providing up to ~0.3-mJ UV pulses
· Supports R&D on RF gun and cathodes:
o Nominally thermionic gun producing 1-us bunch
train with period of 350 ps
o Flexibility to use other RF guns (including
photocathode)
· Low-energy compression w/ alpha magnets
· Mostly independent from APS operation except that it is not available for beam operations during scheduled APS shutdowns for maintenances.
Ideal Experiment
Test of diagnostics for GeV-class bunches, test of high-frequency accelerating structure, test of undulators, beam manipulation/seeding (pending laser availability)
