Choice of Frequency, Gradient and Temperature for a Superconducting Proton Linac

The construction of a Superconducting Proton Linac is planned at CERN during the next decade. It is foreseen to be constructed in two stages: a low duty cycle, low-power linac (LPSPL) as an injector for a new 50 GeV synchrotron (PS2) replacing the present PS, which could be upgraded to a high-duty cycle, high-power linac (HPSPL), for the needs of future facility(ies) requiring a multi-MW beam power. In this paper we present the criteria which were used to choose the frequency, gradient, and cryogenic temperature of the SPL. Since these questions are common to other proposed high-power proton linacs, they may also be of use for other projects with similar specifications. The various design options are discussed as well as their impact on beam dynamics, cavity performance, power consumption, cryogenics,and overall efficiency.