BESSY II has completed an important upgrade of its RF infrastructure by replacing two aging klystron transmitters with modern solid‑state high‑frequency systems. The transition was necessary because spare parts for the legacy klystrons are no longer available, and the new technology offers higher operational stability and lower noise levels. Both factors directly contribute to improved beam quality in the storage ring.
The solid‑state transmitters operate at 500 MHz and deliver up to 75 kW of RF power. Unlike the former 26 kV klystron systems, the new units run at only 50 V and adjust their power consumption dynamically, resulting in significantly higher energy efficiency. The transmitter modules were developed and manufactured by Cryoelectra, based on a concept originally introduced at the SOLEIL synchrotron and adapted for the higher frequency required at BESSY II.
The integration of the new RF systems into the accelerator controls and signal processing took more than a year and represents a major step toward a complete replacement of all remaining klystron transmitters. Once the transition is finished, BESSY II will operate a fully modernized, low‑noise and energy‑efficient RF system designed for long‑term reliability.
Learn more: https://www.wista.de/aktuelles/news/bessy-ii-stellt-auf-halbleiter-hochfrequenzsender-um
