Possibility of comb-type rf shield structure for high-current accelerators

A novel rf shield structure for bellows chambers or gate valves in high-current accelerators is proposed. The rf shield has no thin fingers, but nested comb teeth instead at the inner surface of the beam duct. The comb-type rf shield has a higher thermal strength structurally than the conventional finger-type one. A simulation also indicates its lower impedance. Especially, the leak of a TE modelike higher order mode through the axial slits, which causes mainly heating of these components, is almost suppressed due to thick teeth. An abrasion test in a vacuum using a test piece of the comb-type rf shield shows less dust generation compared to the finger type. Another preliminary test transmitting 508 MHz microwaves through a prototype rf shield in the atmosphere found no abnormal heating or arcing. A trial model of bellows chambers with the comb-type rf shield will be installed and tested using a real beam in the KEK B-factory positron ring this year.