Superconducting resonating cavity with laser welded seam and method of formation thereof

A method for producing a superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cell defined by a hollow body having first and second irises spaced from each other along an axis of the body and a cell equator at a 0° latitude coordinate of the body between the first and second irises, the method comprising:

• (a) providing a first-partial cell including a first cell welding edge and a first iris on opposite sides;
• (b) providing a second-partial cell including a second cell welding edge and a second iris on opposite sides;
• (c) positioning the first- and second-partial cells with the first and second cell welding edges facing toward each other and with the first and second irises proximate each other with no intervening iris positioned between the first and second irises;
• and
• (d) welding the first- and second-partial cells together, thereby forming a weld seam at a latitude other than the equator, wherein the step of welding comprises forming first and second welds on respective first and second opposite sides of at least one of the cell welding edges.