Rectangular Diamond-Lined Accelerator Structure

A millimeter-wave rectangular dielectric-lined structure is described that may have the potential to sustain an accelerating gradient beyond the limits found for metallic structures. The new structure employs artificial diamond as the dielectric, because of its high breakdown limit and low loss tangent. Interposition of vacuum gaps between the dielectric slabs and the side walls is shown to reduce Ohmic losses substantially, leading to an increase in shunt impedance and reduced susceptibility to rf breakdown on metal surfaces.