Measurement of the surface resistivity with a cavity resonator

Abstract: The phenomena of radio-frequency vacuum breakdowns is an actual and concrete problem in the physics of particle accelerator since it causes damages in expensive devices. The surface resistivity of materials can be studied in order to better understand this event. To study surface resistivity one can use a cavity resonator where the quality factor is related to the surface resistivity of the walls. Two systems were used, a homemade cookies box cavity and an electrodes cavity, this latter will be used for further experimentations. The quality factor was measured with a VNA meter coupled to the cavity via straight or loop antenna. The relation between coupling factor beta, Q0 and the dimensions of the antennas was studied.