The hot prototype of the Pi-mode structure for LINAC4

The PIMS (Pi-Mode-Structure) cavities for Linac4 are made of 7 coupled cells operating in !-mode at a frequency of 352 MHz. The mechanical concept is derived from the 5-cell cavities used in the LEP machine, whereas cell length and coupling are adapted for proton acceleration in the range from 50 to 160 MeV. Linac4 will be the first machine to employ this type of cavities for low-beta protons. During the first years of operation the PIMS will be used at low duty cycle (0.1%) as part of the consolidated LHC proton injector complex. It is designed, however, to operate eventually in a high duty cycle (10%) proton injector, which could be used as proton front-end for neutrino or RIB applications. To prepare for the series construction of the 12 PIMS units the first cavity (102 MeV beam energy) has been designed and constructed at CERN, to be used as a hot prototype for RF tests and as a pre-series mechanical unit. In this paper we report on some of the design features, the construction experience, and first measurements.