Simulation of a higher-order mode RF photoinjector

A photoinjector based on a higher-order mode (HOM) rf cavity presents several potential advantages over traditional photoinjector designs. These include ease of fabrication, tuning stability, and the possibility of achieving higher accelerating gradients. Since the initial proposal [1], the design has evolved towards lower rf power requirements but still maintains the ability to generate very high-quality electron beams. This paper presents the results of beam dynamics studies on a HOM-based photoinjector roughly equivalent to the SLAC/BNL/UCLA-style 1.6-cell S-band photoinjector [2]. Best-beam property numbers are obtained via simplex optimization, and parameter sensitivity studies are presented. Results are given for idealized as well as typical drive laser profiles