Ting Xu

Professor of Physics, SRF and Superconducting Magnet Department Manager

About

  • Joined the laboratory in August 2012
  • Accelerator physics and technology
  • Contact information
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Education and training

  • PhD, Mechanical Engineering, Florida State University, USA, 2007

Research

The first acceleration of an electron beam with a superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavity was achieved in 1964.  Since then, SRF technology has advanced rapidly, and it is now used for several large-scale particle accelerators. Capitalizing on state-of-the-art SRF technology and a high-efficiency, large-scale cryogenic plant, the FRIB driver linear accelerator (linac) is designed to produce high-energy heavy-ion beams with beam power up to 200 kW, two orders of magnitude higher than previous accelerators. Nevertheless, we still have a lot to learn about SRF science and technology: we need a better fundamental understanding of surface behavior, we need to develop and refine new materials and new fabrication techniques, and we need to foster new applications in medicine, quantum computing, and other fields. FRIB has a newly commissioned state-of-the-art superconducting accelerator, state-of-the-art facilities for SRF production and research, and a research team dedicated to pushing back the frontiers of SRF science and technology.

Biography

I obtained my PhD in mechanical engineering in 2007 from Florida State University. After postdoctoral work at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory at Florida State University, I worked at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. I came to Michigan State University in 2012, and I now manage the SRF and Superconducting Magnet Department at FRIB. I have broad design and hands-on experience with large-scale accelerator devices based on superconducting technologies and I am always seeking to explore new ideas and concepts. Having been raised in China and spent most of my career in the United States, I respect both Eastern and Western cultures and fully embrace diversity in my research group.

How students can contribute as part of my research team

My research group’s focus is to advance the application of superconductivity to large-scale accelerators. We are oriented in particular toward improving the performance of heavy-ion accelerators. Our three main areas of research are the development of (1) state-of-the-art SRF devices to support the FRIB energy upgrade and benefit other national initiatives, (2) technologies to improve the performance of the FRIB SRF linear accelerator, and (3) new high-performance superconducting magnets for fragment separators. Undergraduate and graduate education is one of the most important missions for my group, which is aligned with MSU’s mission and necessary for our field to continue its growth. Past and present student projects at MSU include the design and prototyping of new SRF cavities, development of SRF diagnostics, SRF coupler design and prototyping, development of SRF control systems, and development of new SRF cavity surface treatments.

Scientific publications