Fast Chopper Structure for the CERN Superconducting Proton Linac

The SPL chopper is a travelling wave device, which deflects a slow beam (b = v/c = 0.08) by its transverse electric field. We discuss the chopper deflecting structure based on a meander line printed on an alumina substrate. This concept profits from the radiation resistance of alumina, its excellent out-gassing properties and its good thermal conductivity. The use of well established MIC (microwave integrated circuit) thick film technology allows easy implementation of prototypes; the thickness of the printed layer should be increased by means of an electrochemical deposition method. The topology of the structure has been chosen from standard MIC layouts and was subsequently optimized using numerical simulations. Several prototypes have been manufactured and measurements have shown encouraging results.