X-band linac technology for a high repetition rate light source

Traditionally, the pulse-to-pulse charging and switching time for a thyratron-switched line-type modulator has limited the repetition rate of normal-conducting high-energy linacs; however the recent development of solid-state modulators employing IGBT switches has allowed the repetition rate of a high-power modulator to be increased by an order of magnitude. When combined with the high accelerating gradients that can be achieved in an X-band accelerating structure, this enables a relatively compact linear accelerator to be constructed that can operate with a pulse repetition rate in excess of 1 kHz. A study has been undertaken on the issues arising from the operation of an X-band linac in this mode, including a survey of availability and limitations of modulators, klystrons and structures. Close attention has been paid to the dissipation of power in critical parts of the high-power RF chain, both on average and transiently during the high-power RF pulse.