A model of rf breakdown arcs

Abstract

This paper presents a rst iteration of a model that attempts to describe all aspects of breakdown in rf cavities and provides some estimates of the parameters and parameter ranges involved, as an aid to producing more precise models and more useful experiments. The model describes how breakdown events can be triggered, how they grow, it identi es the power source for their rapid growth, mechanisms that limit their growth, how they are extinguished and how they can be mitigated. We also discuss applications to superconducting rf and high pressure gas structures. The model relies heavily on previous experiments with 805 and 201 MHz warm copper cavities, and pre-liminary plasma modeling using the code OOPIC Pro. We compare estimates from the model with experimental data where this is possible. Because of the geometrical dependence of all parameters, the wide range of experiments being performed, the wide range of experimental parameters in a given breakdown event and the lack of extensive systematic parameter searches at this stage in our studies, it is diffcult to present precise results. We are constrained to showing what mechanisms are involved, the strength of these mechanisms and how they interact to produce the experimental data. We are primarily interested in the development and dynamics of the arc, magnetic and gas effects and insights on how to avoid arcing in all environments.