Development of a 325 MHz Ladder-RFQ of the 4-Rod Type

For the research program with cooled antiprotons at FAIR a dedicated 70 MeV, 70 mA proton injector is required. In the low energy section, between the Ion Source and the main linac an RFQ will be used. The 325 MHz RFQ will accelerate protons from 95 keV to 3.0 MeV. This particular high frequency for an RFQ creates difficulties, which are challenging in developing this cavity. In order to define a satisfactory geometrical configuration for this resonator, both from the RF and the mechanical point of view, different designs have been examined and compared. Very promising results have been reached with a ladder type RFQ, which has been investigated since 2013. We present recent 3D simulations of the general layout and of a complete cavity demonstrating the power of a ladder type RFQ as well as measurements of a 0,8 m prototype RFQ, which was manufactured in late 2014 and designed for RF power and vacuum tests. We will outline a possible RF layout for the RFQ within the new FAIR proton injector and highlight the mechanical advantages.