In the constantly evolving world of particle accelerators, Superconducting Radiofrequency (SRF) cavities play a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery. However, the production of such systems faces challenges concerning the performance and cost of superconducting thin coatings.
We are pleased to announce that our team member, Dr. Sławomir Prucnal, has become a part of the IFAST project, located at the renowned CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research). The BlitzLab is developing a new thermal method based on the innovative technology of millisecond Flash Lamp Annealing (ms-FLA) to enhance layer quality and reduce costs.
What sets Flash Lamp Annealing apart from other thermal methods?
Unlike conventional thermal methods that heat the entire hollow body, ms-FLA selectively heats only the coating, with minimal or no heating of the rest of the body. This unique approach suppresses unwanted Cu diffusion into the superconducting layers and enables the synthesis of A15 superconducting phases, which typically require temperatures exceeding the melting point of Cu.
Another positive aspect of ms-FLA is its cost-effectiveness, reducing costs by at least 10% compared to conventional oven heating. Additionally, the environmental impact, like CO2 emissions, and energy costs of SRF accelerator technology can be significantly reduced with this new technology.
What project goals are to be achieved?
1. Improvement of the crystallinity of Nb and high temperature alloys such as Nb3Sn, Nb3Ge, V3Si
2. Prototype of an ms-FLA module for processing 6 GHz cavities.
3. Synthesis of large-area Nb3Sn-coated Cu substrates.
The Solution:
Ms-FLA provides a solution by heating the inner wall of a tubular cavity with the intense light pulse of a flash lamp that radiates in all directions. This homogeneous internal heating occurs on a millisecond time scale, with the peak temperature in the annealed film exceeding the melting point of Cu.
A Promising Technology?
The success of this project can directly transfer to other industries requiring thin coatings on non-flat-surfaced components. Furthermore, the low thermal load on the objects to be treated allows for the use of temperature-sensitive substrates such as polymers and low-melting-point substrates.
In the long term, this cost-effective technology offers a new method for producing thin films with customized properties on cost-effective substrates. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize various sectors, including sensing, coating systems, and environmental protection.
A Promising Technology?
The success of this project can directly transfer to other industries requiring thin coatings on non-flat-surfaced components. Furthermore, the low thermal load on the objects to be treated allows for the use of temperature-sensitive substrates such as polymers and low-melting-point substrates.
In the long term, this cost-effective technology offers a new method for producing thin films with customized properties on cost-effective substrates. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize various sectors, including sensing, coating systems, and environmental protection.
