I supported the 2-cell C-band (5.712 GHz) Proton Booster Cavity Accelerator for the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) proton radiography (pRad) program, focusing on mechanical design, manufacturability, and validation of a brazed RF cavity structure.
My work centered on the mechanical design of the symmetrical, two-half brazed cavity, including development of precision alignment features, flange position alignment, and braze-flow and fill-channel strategies to achieve uniform, void-free bonds. I designed custom high-temperature brazing fixtures and clamping hardware, and supported fabrication through CMM-based GD&T validation of cavity alignment, beamline alignment, and critical RF surface dimensions. When fabrication defects or vacuum leaks arose, I conducted root cause analysis (RCA) and implemented corrective design or process changes.
I also supported final assembly, leak checking, and RF performance validation. Cold-test results showed the cavity tuned to 5712.6 MHz versus a 5712.0 MHz target, with measured Q₀ = 13,238 (vs. 13,150 simulated) and Qₑ = 10,137 (vs. 11,000 predicted), indicating strong agreement between mechanical execution and RF modeling. High-gradient testing demonstrated stable operation up to 100 MeV/m with breakdown rates below 1×10⁻⁴ per pulse per meter, validating reliable performance at 40 MeV/m with predictable thermal behavior and minimal RF degradation.