Accelerator, Laser, and Coherent Optoelectronics R&D Lab (ALCOL)
Lab Equipment
Lab is curently under construction. Plans are to make the lab specializing with accelerator and radiation source R and D along with beam/accelerator/plasma physics education
We currently have three working stations with two computers running windows and the third running linux. We have Two optical Benches for experiments that require precision. The big equipment currently in operation are the Kylstron and the VNA described in the links below
Lab Mission Statement
1. Acceleration/radiation R&D lab with ultrashort electron source at NIU as user facility
- Research projects in beam/laser physics, electrical engineering and accelerator technologies,
- User support: biology, chemistry, condensed matter physics, medicine, etc.
2. Femto-second science
- Improve understanding of fundamental processes such as material phase transitions and temporal evolution of a chemical reaction.
3. Versatile electron source for ultra-high brightness beam source R&D
4. Tabletop multi-purpose instrument
- Scientific research activities in chemistry, biology, medicine, and materials science.
- Outreach/education program on beam/accelerator/plasma physics at NIU.
5. Strengthening NIU beam physics program
- Recruit students who pursue their research work in accelerator technologies, beam physics, and UED/UEM.
Past and Current Work
- 2011 Fall
1. Initiated lab move-out/takeover (FW 110/111)
2. Installed workstation simulation computers
3. Submitted a DoD (Air Force) Phase-I proposal
- 2012 Spring
4. Received the DoD (Air Force) Phase-I award
- 2012 Fall
5. DoD (Air Force) SBIR Phase-I ended
6. Submitted a DoD (Air Force) Phase-II proposal
- 2013 Spring
7. Received the DoD (Air Force) Phase-II award
8. Finished lab move-out/takeover (FW 110/111)
- 2013 Summer
9. Started lab setup
- 2013 Fall
10. Re-arranged the lab space (FW 110/111)
11. Started klystron system installation
12. Started radiation safety assessment
- 2014 Summer
13. Completed installation/commissioning of klystron system
- 2014 Spring
14. Finished/documented radiation safety assessment
- 2014 Summer
15. Ordered a S-band RF-gun (Far-Tech. Inc.)
- 2014 Fall
16. Submitted a DoE proposal (BES), “Time-stabilized UED/UEM”
- 2015 Spring
17. Received the RF-gun
18. Completed vacuum leak test, RF-test of the RF-gun
19. Ordered HPRF components (directional coupler, waveguides, etc) and UHV components (gate valve, etc)
- 2015 Summer
21. Started RF-injector system assembly
22. Klystron HPRF Test
Lab Setup/Commisioning Schedule (TBD)
1) By end of 2015
- Finish off ordering/procuring all the components for RF-injector system
- Finish up klystron characterization tests
2) By end of 2016 spring semester
Complete RF-injector system assembly
3) By end of 2016
Finish off installation of beam diagnostic apparatus
4) By end of 2017 Spring
- Complete beam characterization (current/energy)
- Start a beam/accelerator course/training with the complete RF-injector system
5) By end of 2017
Procure fs laser system
6) By end of 2018
- Upgrade the lab with a photo-injector (fs laser system)
- Complete sample-chamber and detection system
- Finish up system characterization tests
- Start user service