The RF Lab was successfully implemented during 2024-2025 by the Gamma System Department as part of the ELI-INFRA Project. The laboratory provides support for RF characterization of specific subsystems of the ELI - Gamma-ray Beam Source (ELI-GBS) during the installation/commissioning stage and, subsequently, for maintenance and troubleshooting purposes, as well as for research activities. At the same time, the RF laboratory provides support for training and educational activities within ELI-NP and for students from technical universities, within the framework of partnerships with these universities.
Main Activities
Testing and characterization of RF devices up to Ka band (40GHz)
Testing and characterization of WR284 | R32 and WR90 | R100 waveguide devices (e.g., directional couplers, power dividers, E- and H- bends, RF Loads)
Design and simulation of RF devices using circuit- and EM field- simulation software
Training activities regarding the use of RF instruments (e.g., vector network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope) in specialized frequency- and time-domain measurements
Educational activities with students at technical universities regarding free space (unguided) and guided EM-field propagation, using a specialized measurement system.
Equipment
RF instruments: Vector Network Analyzers (E5081A ENA-X 4-Channel Network Analyzer 10MHz - 44GHz, Keysight, E5071C 9kHz - 6.5 GHz ENA Series Network Analyzer); N9324C Spectrum Analyzer 1MHz - 20GHz, Keysight; N1914B EPM Dual-Channel Power Meter, Keysight, with various avg. power sensors; 53230A Universal Frequency Counter/Timer 350MHz 20ps, Keysight.
Testing and characterization of WR284 | R32 and WR90 | R100 waveguide devices (e.g., directional couplers, power dividers, E- and H- bends, RF Loads)
Generators: N5183B MXG Analog Signal Generator 9kHz to 40GHz, Keysight; 81160A 330/500 MHz Pulse Function Arbitrary Generator, Keysight
General-purpose equipment: U1282A True RMS Multimeter, Keysight; E4980A LCR Meter 20Hz - 2MHz, Keysight; E36155A DC power supply, single-output, auto-range: 60V, 40A, 800W: LAN, USB, Keysight.
Topics
RF diagnostics methods for optimizing electron beam properties as described in the ELI-GBS TDR
Signal measurement and analysis
Power measurement
Time domain measurements
View from inside the RF Lab with RF measurement stations
