Simulation and experiments of rf tuning of a 201.5 MHz four-rod RFQ cavity

A four-rod radio frequency quadruple (RFQ) cavity has been built for the Peking University Neutron Imaging Facility (PKUNIFTY). The rf tuning of such a cavity is important to make the field distribution flat and to tune the cavity's resonant frequency to its operating value. Plate tuners are used to tune the RFQ, which have an effect on both the cavity frequency and field distribution. The rf performance of the RFQ and the effect of plate tuners are simulated. Based on the simulation, a code RFQTUNING is designed, which gives a fast way to tune the cavity. With the aid of the code the cavity frequency is tuned to 201.5 MHz and the flatness deviation of the field distribution is reduced to less than 5%.