Description
Superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities used in particle accelerators exhibit extremely low surface resistance values as a result of continuous material optimization over the past decades. The currently dominating loss mechanism in niobium cavities is due to trapped magnetic flux. Understanding the dynamics of trapped flux and the underlying mechanisms is thus essential for improving cavity performance. For this purpose, the CRAFT test stand enables systematic investigation of flux trapping under different cooldown conditions and material properties. Particular emphasis is placed on ultra-slow superconducting phase front propagation and the role of flux creep. First flux creep measurements are presented, exploring their potential to complement previous flux trapping studies and contribute to improving SRF cavity efficiency.
