X-Band Dipole Mode Deflecting Cavity for the UCLA Neptune Beamline

We report progress on the design and construction of a nine-cell cavity operating in a TM110-like dipole mode for use as a temporal diagnostic of the 14 MeV, 300 pC electron bunches generated at the UCLA Neptune Laboratory linear accelerator, with an anticipated temporal resolution of 50 fs at a peak input power of 50 kW. The cavity is a center-fed standing-wave pi-mode structure, operating at 9.6 GHz, and incorporating a knife-edge and gasket assembly which minimizes the need for brazing or welding. Results of initial RF testing of the prototype cavity are discussed and compared with simulation results obtained using the commercial code HFSS.