News

Cryoelectra Supplies Cutting-Edge Solid-State RF Amplifiers

MYRRHA Phase 1 | MINERVA is set to become a hub for groundbreaking nuclear physics research and the development of next-generation radioisotopes. To achieve this, the facility will accelerate protons at incredible speeds, relying on 80 powerful solid-state RF amplifiers. The German company Cryoelectra has been chosen to design and build these amplifiers, with the contract recently signed.

MINERVA’s Installation will feature 80 solid-state RF amplifiers, delivering a total power of 1.5 MW across two different frequencies. Cryoelectra GmbH, renowned for its advanced solid-state technology, will supply these amplifiers.

“By choosing solid-state technology from an experienced and specialized partner like Cryoelectra, we ensure maximum reliability and energy efficiency for this crucial accelerator component. We are delighted to work with them,” said Victor Martinez, high power RF expert at MINERVA Design & Build Institute.

Cryoelectra will develop an initial RF amplifier capable of delivering 150 kW of radio frequency power, set for qualification at the SCK CEN site by spring 2026.

The Engine of the Accelerator

In a proton accelerator, the high-power RF solid-state amplifier (SSA) is akin to the engine of a high-speed train, providing the immense energy needed to propel protons to extraordinary speeds. Without this vital component, protons wouldn’t reach the necessary energy levels for applications like medical radioisotope production for cancer treatment or particle physics experiments.

Technical Marvel

What sets the SSA of MYRRHA Phase 1 | MINERVA apart? 

These amplifiers will operate at two distinct frequencies:

• 176.1 MHz for the initial acceleration phase in room-temperature cavities, up to 17 MeV.
• 352.2 MHz for the subsequent phase in superconducting cavities at 2K, from 17 MeV to 100 MeV.

This dual-frequency operation is key to achieving the precise acceleration required for cutting-edge research and applications.