Low-beta radio-frequency accelerating structures are used in the sections of a linear accelerator where the velocity of the particle beam increases with energy. The requirement for space periodicity to match the increasing particle velocity led to th
e development of a large variety of structures, both normal and superconducting, which are described in this lecture.
This introductory lecture outlines the impressive progress of radio frequency technology, from the first table-top equipment to the present gigantic installations. The outcome of 83 years of evolution is subsequently submitted to an anatomical analys
is, which allows identifying the main components of a modern RF system and their interrelations.
