Design of the RF Phase Reference System and Timing Control for the TESLA Linear Collider

The frequency distribution system for the TESLA linear collider must deliver a highly phase stable rf signal to the 616 rf stations over a length of 33 km. At the operating frequency of 1300 MHz a short term and long term stability of the order of 1 degree with respect to the accelerated beam is required. Our solution involves three coherent oscillators, a 9 MHz low loss coaxial cable distribution, 1.3 GHz fiber optics, and continuous calibrations based on beam phase measurements. This system is transparent to beam operation and will continually monitor and correct slow phase drifts