Fast X-Band Phase Shifter

72922S03-I The Next Linear Collider is set to operate at 11.424 GHz (X-band) with an unloaded acceleration gradient of 77 MeV/m and two acceleration lengths of 6 km each, for a center-of-mass energy of 0.5 TeV. The achievement of this goal will require the development of new high-power X-band components, including a fast, electrically-controlled, high-power phase shifter to provide the required high peak RF power pulses for driving a series of accelerator modules. This project will design, build, and test a fast, high-power X-band phase shifter, based on the use of ferroelectric elements arrayed about the perimeter of a TE01-mode cylindrical waveguide. Phase I will optimize the design of the X-band phase shifter, containing ferroelectric switchable elements around the periphery of a TE01 cylindrical waveguide. Parameters of modern ferroelectric materials will be measured to select a material with appropriate properties, including the choice between longitudinal and transverse bias for switching. The design will be adjusted to allow the phase shifter to be incorporated into a switch to control up to 600 MW of pulsed power at X-band. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: A future multi-TeV collider will require thousands of these high-power, fast phase shifters, representing a possible future market of millions of dollars.