Grumman Aerospace Corporation

Douglas S Holmes

Michael G Kornely, Jr

Robert G Micich

A linear accelerator drift tube is formed by a casting technique. Coolant circualting grooves are integrally formed in the central body of the drift tube as well as face plates. This minimizes the temperature of the drift tube in an operating environment thereby maximizing the R.F. efficiency of the unit. The face plates are attached to the central body of the drift tube by means of a solder/electroform joining. The stem of the drift tube includes concentric passages integrally formed in the cast central body which enables efficient circulation of coolant through the drift tube.

Cast charged particle drift tube

The face plates of a drift tube have their joints with a central cylindrical body sealed by utilizating two metallurgical techniques. The first technique involves the soldering of interface surfaces at the joints between the face plates and the body. The soldered joint prevents the entry of electroplating solution into the interior of the drift tube during a second metallurgical procedure involving the electroformation of a copper strap around the joint which provides a permanent seal against leakage of coolant from the drift tube while offering excellent electrical and thermal conductivity across the surface of the drift tube.

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Shirley, NY, United States of America

Douglas S Holmes