Superconducting LINAC (SCL) technology has been a mature option for several years. The SCL option has been studied in the past. This option has the potential to improve beam availability to the LANSCE facility users by allowing the RF system to partially migrate to a modern RF power solution such as the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) or the European Spallation Source (ESS) klystron modulators. Due to the higher RF efficiency of the SC cavity, the use of recent advances in Solid-State Power Amplifiers (SSPA) becomes a possibility as an adequate substitute for the RF power plant. Another important aspect of the SCL option is that the partial removal of the Coupled Cavity LINAC (CCL) at β=0.78 and implementing high-gradient SC cavities provides a technically sound solution to reach beam energy of more than 1 GeV within the already existing beam tunnel, making this available for the users at LANSCE. In addition, the current capability of 800 MeV beam can be maintained by choosing a dynamic mode of operation where only the needed SC RF structures are operated. This would allow continued use of the Proton Storage Ring (PSR) without requiring an upgrade, while providing the >1 GeV option for other users on demand.
Valladares et al. (Thu,) studied this question.