High gradient test at Nextef and high-power long-term operation of devices

The X-band high gradient studies at Nextef, the 100 MW X-Band test station in KEK operated since 2008, is reviewed. Recent high power test results of TD18#2, an 18-cell CLIC prototype structure with HOM damping slots, are given. The measured breakdown rate is ∼10−5/pulse/m under the operation at 100 MV/m gradient with 250 ns rf pulse width. The rate is higher by one- to two-order compared with that of the T18 structure, which is a disk loaded structure without the HOM slots. The recent performance of the station is also reviewed, especially that of PPM klystrons is discussed. An overview of our on-going programs such as the pulse compression system of Nextef as well as the future plans of X-band study is given.