Superconducting Cavity Coupler with Segmented Copper Shields
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superconducting cavity couplers face issues with unreliable copper coatings flaking off, increased thermal conductivity, higher ohmic losses, and inadequate protection for dielectric RF windows from charged particles, leading to inefficiencies and damage.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting cavity coupler design featuring a stainless steel outer body with internal copper shields forming chambers and overlapping disks to prevent line of sight, reducing thermal and electromagnetic interference while maintaining high electrical conductivity and protecting the RF window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If stainless steel is coated with copper to decrease ohmic losses, then electrical conductivity is improved, but thermal conductivity increases and heat flow to the cavity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into multiple discrete copper shields (first shield, second shield, third shield) rather than using a continuous copper coating. Each shield is a separate component that can be independently positioned and connected, allowing electrical conductivity to be maintained while reducing thermal conduction paths to the cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
Copper shielding is applied locally at specific positions within the coupler where electrical conductivity is most needed for RF signal transmission, rather than coating the entire outer conductor. The shields are positioned to provide electromagnetic shielding while minimizing thermal contact with the cryogenic cavity.
2Loss of energy
If copper coating is applied to stainless steel outer conductor, then electrical conductivity is improved, but the coating reliability deteriorates due to flaking and peeling
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous copper coating is segmented into discrete copper shield components. This eliminates the adhesion problems inherent in plated coatings by using separate copper pieces that are mechanically or thermally attached to the stainless steel outer conductor, ensuring long-term reliability without flaking or peeling.
3Device complexity
If straight waveguide coupler is used, then结构简单性 is improved, but dielectric surface protection from charged particles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler structure is modified by adding overlapping disks that extend radially outward, creating a three-dimensional configuration. These disks are positioned to block the line-of-sight path for charged particles traveling from the cavity to the dielectric RF window, providing protection without requiring a complex bent waveguide geometry.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design ensures reliable RF power transmission with minimized heat flow and ohmic losses, and effectively shields the dielectric window from charged particles, enhancing the efficiency and longevity of the superconducting cavity system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one shield formed inside the outer coupler body wherein the relationship between the shield and the outer coupler body form at least one chamber
Implementation Method 2
a first disk and a second disk, wherein the first disk and the second disk overlap in order to prevent a line of sight through the cavity coupler to an RF window
Implementation Method 3
the outer conductor of a coupler is made of stainless steel because of its low thermal conductivity
Implementation Method 4
the copper layer increases the thermal conductivity of the stainless steel outer conductor and increases the heat flow to the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A cavity coupler comprising of an outer coupler body, at least one shield formed inside the outer coupler body wherein the relationship between the shield and the outer coupler body form at least one chamber, an antenna configured to provide a radio frequency signal, and a flange for connecting the cavity coupler to a superconducting cavity. In an embodiment, the outer coupler body is formed of stainless steel. In an embodiment, the at least one shield is formed of copper.