The next linear collider test accelerator’s RF pulse compression and transmission systems

The overmoded rf transmission and pulsed power compression system for SLAC’s Next Linear Collider (NLC) program requires a high degree of transmission efficiency and mode purity to be economically feasible. To this end, a number of new, high power components and systems have been developed at X-band, which transmit rf power in the low loss, circular TE01 mode with negligible mode conversion. In addition, a highly efficient SLED-II [1] pulse compressor has been developed and successfully tested at high power at two accelerator test facilities at SLAC. The systems produced a 200 MW pulse with a near-perfect flat-top with pulse widths ranging from 150–245 ns. In this paper we describe the design and test results of a rectangular-to-circular mode converter and the components/transmission systems based on them, as well as the design and measurements of the high power pulse compression systems using SLED-II. We will also describe how these components are being used to efficiently provide high power rf in the NL...