Abstract
The use of superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) cavities in particle accelerator is becoming more
widespread. Among the projects that make use of that technology is the Spallation Neutron Source,
where H- ions are accelerated to about 1 GeV, mostly making use of niobium elliptical cavities. SNS
generates neutrons by the spallation reaction with the accelerated short (about 700 ns) sub-bunches
of protons, which will in turn allow probing structural and magnetic properties of new and existing
materials. The SNS superconducting linac is the largest application of RF superconductivity to
come on-line in the last decade and has been operating with beam for almost two years. As
the rst operational pulsed superconducting linac, many of the aspects of its performance were
unknown and unpredictable. A lot of experiences and data have been gathered on the pulsed
behavior of cavities and cryomodules at various repetition rates and at various temperatures during
the commissioning of its components and beam operations. This experience is of great value in
determining future optimizations of SNS as well in guiding in the design and operation of future
pulsed superconducting linacs. The testing of the superconducting cavities, the operating experience
with beam, the performance of the superconducting linac and the future plans will be presented.
