Exploration of Parameters that Affect High Field Q-Slope

The onset of high field Q-slope (HFQS) around 25 MV/m prevents cavities in electropolished (EP) condition from reaching high quality factors at high gradients due to the precipitation of niobium hydrides during cooldown. These hydrides are non-superconducting at 2 K, and contribute to losses such as Q disease and HFQS. We are interested in exploring the parameters that affect the behavior of HFQS. We study a high RRR cavity that received an 800 C by 3 hour bake and EP treatment to observe HFQS. First, we explore the effect of trapped magnetic flux. The cavity is tested after cooling slowly through Tc while applying various levels of ambient field. We observe the onset of the HFQS and correlate this behavior with the amount of trapped flux. Next, we investigate the effect of the size/concentration of hydrides. The cavity is tested after holding the temperature at 100 K for 12 hours during the cooldown to promote the growth of hydrides. We can correlate the behavior of the HF QS with the increased hydride concentration. Our results will help further the understanding of the mechanism of HFQS.