In the framework of EuPRAXIA@SPARC_LAB project, we are studying possible solutions to upgrade and measure the amplitude and phase stability of the RF accelerating fields generated by a klystron. These studies concern the C- and X- band klystrons installed in the LNF infrastructures. In particular, we will present our work on a fast phase feedback around the C-band power station (50 MW klystron and solid state modulator) installed at SPARC_LAB. We are trying to push the timing jitter below the standard limit of such systems (few tens of fs RMS). A second topic is the study of the jitter of the X-band power station (50 MW klystron and solid state modulator) installed in the TEX facility. Precise measurements on amplitude and phase of this system will be reported at different positions both upstream (LLRF and pre-amp) and downstream (waveguides and prototype structure) the klystron.

In anticipation of the Eupraxia@SPARC_LAB project at the INFN Frascati National Laboratories, an intensive testing and validation activity for the X-band RF system has commenced at the TEX test facility. The Eupraxia@SPARC_LAB project entails the development of a Free-Electron Laser (FEL) radiation source with a 1 GeV Linac based on plasma acceleration and an X-band radiofrequency (RF) booster. The booster is composed of 16 high-gradient accelerating structures working at 11.994GHz. All radiofrequency components comprising the basic module of the booster, from the power source to the structure, must undergo testing at nominal parameters and power levels to verify their reliability. For this reason, since 2021, several experimental runs have been conducted to test various components in X-band technology at the TEX facility. This paper presents the results obtained thus far from the different experimental runs, and it also outlines the future upgrade of the facility, which will enhance testing capabilities and the future prospects of the facility itself.

The Eupraxia@SPARC_LAB project involves the development of a 1 GeV normal conducting Linac with an S-band injector followed by an X-band booster. To achieve the final energy, the booster consists of 16 traveling wave accelerating structures operating at 11.994 GHz with a minimum working gradient of 60 MV/m. An intensive design activity, prototyping, and testing of these structures is underway at INFN-LNF. This paper comprehensively presents all the work conducted in the design and prototyping, along with preliminary test results obtained from the first RF prototype of the Eupraxia@SPARC_LAB X-band accelerating structure.

In the context of LATINO (Laboratory in Advanced Technologies for INnOvation) and Rome Technopole Projects founded by Regione Lazio and NextGenerationEu, and directly involved in the EuPRAXIA@SPARC_Lab flagship project, a testing facility for X-band (TEX) has been established at the Frascati National Laboratories of INFN. TEX is dedicated to the examination of radiofrequency X/C-band, aiming to develop and test the technologies and systems of a particle accelerator operating under such conditions. Given the complex nature of such a system and the advancement of technology to the forefront of the state of the art, it is imperative to have an advanced Machine Protection System (MPS) characterized by high reliability, availability, and safety, in accordance with IEC-61508 standards. Currently in development is a prototype MPS designed to autonomously initiate procedures to control operations and avert anomalies. An EPICS supervisor oversees the management of all devices and monitoring connected subsystems. Additionally, a real-time interlock system, based on distributed FPGA, is employed to swiftly respond to vacuum and RF systems during the next RF pulse.

The installation of the STAR High-Energy Linac, the energy upgrade of the Southern European Thomson Back-Scattering Source for Applied Research (STAR) project at the University of Calabria, was conducted by INFN by the end of 2023. This paper presents the testing procedures aimed at confirming the consistency, completeness, and quality of the STAR accelerator upgrade installation (electron beam energy boost from 65 MeV up to 150 MeV). We illustrate the installation and testing of the electrical, hydraulic and related automation and auxiliary systems. We will discuss the high-power commissioning of the two C-band RF power stations and testing of the low-level C-band RF system and control system configuration based on EPICS. Finally, we will describe the layout and testing of the vacuum system, the characterization and commissioning of the magnets with related power supplies and the assessment of the installed diagnostics devices. The linac commissioning as well as electron beam measurements are planned for Summer 2024, due to pending radioprotection authorizations.

SPARC_LAB facility was born in 2004 as an R&D activity to develop a high brightness electron photo-injector dedicated to FEL experiments and exploration of advanced acceleration techniques. The electron source consists in a brazefree 1.6-cell S-band RF gun with a peak electric field of 120 MV/m and a metallic copper photocathode. The gun injects particles into two S-band sections, the initial section acting as an RF compressor using the velocity bunching technique, with built-in solenoid coils that enhance magnetic focusing and control emittance. A subsequent C-band acceleration section acts as a booster to achieve the desired kinetic energy. The Lazio Regional government recently funded the SABINA project for the consolidation of SPARC_LAB facility. The reference and the distribution systems and the Low Level radiofrequency (LLRF) system will also undergo a significant upgrade, involving the replacement of the original analogue S-band and digital C-band radiofrequency systems with commercial, temperature-stabilized, FPGA-controlled LLRF digital systems provided by Instrumentation Technologies in order to improve performance in terms of amplitude, phase resolution, and stability.