Trainee for a load-lock system for the travelling-wave RF photogun

Publication date:21 November 2025
Workload:100%
Contract type:Unlimited employment
Place of work:Villigen PSI

Job summary

The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) leads research in Switzerland. Join a dynamic team tackling future technology challenges!

Tasks

Enhance the TW RF photogun's photocathode load-lock system.
Develop a mechanical concept and simulation for alignment.
Prototype and test new concepts for operational flexibility.

Skills

Students in mechanical engineering or related fields, in final year.
Interest in vacuum and high power electronics systems.
Strong teamwork and problem-solving skills.

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About the job

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.

For the PSI Center for Accelerator Science and Engineering we are looking for a

Your tasks

The travelling-wave TW RF photogun has demonstrated excellent performance during high-power testing. However, in the current design, there are areas to improve in the RF fingers and cathode alignment. The current system limits operational flexibility when operating with semiconductor photocathodes and also lacks the reproducibility of the cathode alignment that requires ~100 micron precision.

This project aims to develop an improved photocathode load-lock system incorporating a new spring-based design alignment system to enhance reproducibility and allow use of semiconductor cathode materials. This project is divided into two parts:

Core Task: Develop a mechanical concept and simulation/model for the new load-lock system

Advanced Task (for experienced students): Produce a system prototype and/or test concepts

This work is vital to the further development of the feasibility of the TW photogun for use in SwissFEL where the semiconductor photocathodes must be able to be exchanged under vacuum.

Your profile

You are a student in mechanical engineering or a related field, and you are at least in your ultimate year of undergraduate study (minimum 4 semesters)