Speaker
Description
The MOTHRA laboratory at UCLA is developing a cryogenic C-band photoinjector for high-brightness electron beam generation and advanced cathode studies. The electron source is a novel 0.5-cell RF gun designed to operate at gradients up to 200 MV/m, where the combination of a high launch field, low intrinsic emittance cathodes, and cryogenic temperatures is expected to significantly increase the achievable beam brightness. We present the current progress toward the installation and commissioning of a load-lock cathode exchange system and modular cathode backplane that will allow advanced photocathode materials and structures to be tested under high-field cryogenic conditions. We discuss the current integration status, experimental challenges, as well as the planned diagnostic program for evaluating beam quality. In particular, we outline future transverse emittance measurements using TEM-grid and beam dynamics optimization for MeV Ultrafast Electron Diffraction operation. We also present future plans for operating near 60 K to explore cryogenic photocathode behavior and conditions relevant to Orbital Angular Momentum electron generation.
| Working group | WG5 |
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