The quest for novel technologies in the ever-evolving landscape of scientific exploration has led to the investigation of plasma lensing as a potential solution for optical matching devices for all kinds of positron sources. This research becomes increasingly significant as the need for higher data output demands innovative concepts to increase positron yield and therefore luminosity. Instabilities were observed during the first test trials. This poster presents the results of high-temporal resolution imaging to analyse the discharge instabilities. Furthermore, the results show not expected but interesting insights and challenges. Overcoming these challenges is pivotal for a future application of plasma lenses as an integral part of high-performance positron sources.

The secondary beam production target at future positron sources at the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF), the International Linear Collider (ILC) or the Future Circular Collider (FCC), features unprecedented mechanical and thermal stresses which may compromise sustainable and reliable operation. Candidate materials are required to possess high melting temperature together with excellent thermal conductivity, elasticity and radiation hardness properties. In order to substantiate the material choice for the CEBAF and ILC positron sources, the response of candidate materials such as titanium alloys, tungsten, and tantalum to electron beam irradiation was experimentally investigated. CEBAF and ILC expected operating conditions were mimicked using the 3.5 MeV electron beam of the MAMI facility injector. The material degradations were precisely analyzed via high energy X-ray diffraction at the HEMS beamline operated by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon at the PETRA III synchrotron facility. This work reports the results of these measurements and their interpretation.