Conventional electron guns face limitations in achieving the required accelerating gradients while maintaining satisfactory beam quality for our application. To overcome this challenge, we have developed a superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) electron gun. This gun is specifically designed and operated at a high cathode gradient of 30 MV/m. We present a comprehensive evaluation of its key performance characteristics. This includes detailed analyses of its RF properties and critical mechanical behavior under operational conditions. Specifically, we report on the helium pressure sensitivity, Lorentz force detuning, tuning sensitivity, and modal analysis. These results demonstrate the feasibility of the SRF gun design and provide essential insights into its operational stability and performance at the demanding target gradient of 30 MV/m, paving the way for high-brightness beam applications.

Conventional electron guns face limitations in achieving the required accelerating gradients while maintaining satisfactory beam quality for our application. To overcome this challenge, we have developed a superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) electron gun. This gun is specifically designed and operated at a high cathode gradient of 30 MV/m. We present a comprehensive evaluation of its key performance characteristics. This includes detailed analyses of its RF properties and critical mechanical behavior under operational conditions. Specifically, we report on the helium pressure sensitivity, Lorentz force detuning, tuning sensitivity, and modal analysis. These results demonstrate the feasibility of the SRF gun design and provide essential insights into its operational stability and performance at the demanding target gradient of 30 MV/m, paving the way for high-brightness beam applications.