An x-ray fluorescence probe for defect detection in superconducting 1.3 GHz cavities

The aim of this project is to develop a system for defect detection by means of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. XRF is a high sensitivity spectroscopy technique allowing the detection of trace element content, such as the few microgram impurities, responsible for low cavity performances if embedded in the equatorial region during cavity manufacturing. The proposed setup is customized on 1.3 GHz TESLA-type niobium cavities: both the detector and the X-ray excitation source are miniaturized so to allow the probe to enter within the 70 mm iris diameter and aside of the HOM couplers. The detection-excitation geometry is focused on cavity cell equator surface located at about 103 mm from the cavity axis, with an intrinsic spot-size of about 10 mm. The measuring head will be settled on a high angular resolution optical inspection system at DESY, exploiting the experience of OBACHT. Defect position is obtained by means of angular inner cavity surface scanning. A quantitative determination of defect content can also be carried out by means of fundamental parameters technique with a Niobium standard calibration.