Generation of electron beams with superconducting photoinjectors

The production of beams with low emittance as well as high average current is one of the key techniques for future electron accelerators and next generation light sources. The superconducting radio-frequency photo electron source (SRF gun) has the potential to fulfill the requirements for these new accelerators. The presentation will give an introduction and overview of this type of modern electron injector. The main issues such as niobium cavity design and fabrication, cryomodule, radio-frequency system, photocathodes, drive laser will be discussed. The status of the various R&D project for SRF guns will be presented, and a comparison to alternative high-current injector concepts like DC photo guns and low-frequency, normal-conducting RF guns will be given.