First Results with a Fast Phase and Amplitude Modulator for High Power RF Application

In a high energy and high power superconducting proton linac, it is more economical to drive several cavities with a single high power transmitter rather than to use one transmitter per cavity. However, this option has the disadvantage of not permitting individual control for each cavity, which potentially leads to instabilities. Provided that it can be built at a reasonable cost, a fast phase and amplitude modulator inserted into each cavity feeder line can provide the necessary control capability. A prototype of such a device has been built, based on two fast and compact high power RF phase-shifters, magnetically biased by external coils. The design is described, together with the results obtained at high and low power levels.