Machine Learning Models for Breakdown Prediction in RF Cavities for Accelerators

Radio Frequency (RF) breakdowns are one of the most prevalent limits in RF cavities for particle accelerators. During a breakdown, field enhancement associated with small deformations on the cavity surface results in electrical arcs. Such arcs degrade a passing beam and if they occur frequently, they can cause irreparable damage to the RF cavity surface. In this paper, we propose a machine learning approach to predict the occurrence of breakdowns in CERN’s Compact LInear Collider (CLIC) accelerating structures. We discuss state-of-the-art algorithms for data exploration with unsupervised machine learning, breakdown prediction with supervised machine learning, and result validation with Explainable-Artificial Intelligence (Explainable AI). By interpreting the model parameters of various approaches, we go further in addressing opportunities to elucidate the physics of a breakdown and improve accelerator reliability and operation.