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This paper presents an analysis of a superconducting linear collider with energy recovery (ERLC) using twin RF structures, capable of operating in both pulsed and continuous-wave (CW) modes. A key finding is that in pulsed mode, luminosity is independent of the accelerating gradient for a fixed total power, allowing operation at the highest available gradients. The study also introduces, for the first time, a twin electron-electron (e⁻e⁻) ERLC configuration, demonstrating that with a 40 MeV/m gradient in CW mode, the system can achieve luminosities of (1–2.5) × 10³⁶ cm⁻²s⁻¹ for e⁺e⁻ and (3–7) × 10³⁶ cm⁻²s⁻¹ for e⁻e⁻ collisions at center-of-mass energies between 250 and 500 GeV, with a total power consumption of 150–300 MW.
Why it matters
The ERLC design represents a competitive candidate for a future Higgs factory, offering high luminosity at comparatively manageable power consumption, which could significantly advance precision measurements of Higgs boson properties and deepen our understanding of fundamental particle physics.
Understand the Science
arXiv:2302.09758v5 Announce Type: replace
Abstract: A recently proposed superconducting linear collider with energy recovery (ERLC) and multiple beam reuse employs twin RF structures to eliminate parasitic collisions in the linacs. Such a collider can operate in either pulsed or continuous-wave (CW) mode, achieving a luminosity of ${cal O}(10^{36})$ cm$^{-2}$s$^{-1}$ at $2E_0$ = 250–500 GeV. This paper demonstrates that in pulsed mode, the ERLC luminosity is independent of the accelerating gradient for a fixed total power, enabling operation at the highest available gradients. A similar independence holds for the CW mode when the available power significantly exceeds the operational threshold. The luminosity scales with the cavity quality factor as $Lpropto Q_0^{1/2}$. We also present, for the first time, a study of a twin $e^-e^-$ ERLC and estimate its performance. This configuration is simpler than the $e^+e^-$ version as it eliminates the need for beam recirculation; electrons can be generated anew for each cycle. In this case, the luminosity scales as $Lpropto Q_0^{1/4}$. Furthermore, the use of traveling-wave (TW) RF structures allows for higher gradients and reduced thermal loading. We show that an ERLC with $G$ = 40 MeV/m can operate in CW mode, reaching luminosities of $L_{e^+e^-}$= (1-2.5)$times 10^{36}$ and $L_{e^-e^-}$= (3-7)$times 10^{36}$ cm$^{-2}$s$^{-1}$ at $2E_0$ = 250 and 500 GeV, respectively, with a total power consumption of 150-300 MW. These results position the ERLC as a highly promising candidate for a future Higgs factory.