A modified feed-forward control system at the Accelerator Test Facility

A modified feed-forward control system has been operated at the Brookhaven Accelerator Test Facility to control the phase and amplitude of two high power klystron rf systems used to power a photocathode rf gun and a traveling wave electron linac. The changes to the control algorithm include an improved handling of cross coupling between the amplitude and the phase channels, an improved calibration routine that allows for changes in the matrix elements due to the variable base-line and improved filtering. The modifications to the software include modularity, portability, and user-friendliness. Improvements to the hardware include a linearized phase and amplitude controller with dc biasing for an improved dynamic range. The feed-forward system can handle nonlinear and noninstantaneous systems. With simultaneous regulation of two channels, the phase and the amplitude fluctuations over a time span of more than 3 μS were reduced to less than ±0.2° and ±0.2%, from the initial ±2.7° and ±1.8%, respectively.