High Frequency Compact Linear Proton Accelerator

Project Description:

As part of the Medical Applications Programme at CERN, a novel very compact radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) linear accelerator has been designed. Operating at a frequency of 750 MHz and having adapted beam optics, this RFQ can reach an energy of 5 MeV over a distance of 2 m. It is a suitable alternative to cyclotrons for use in medical applications, for example as an injector for higher energy linacs or as a standalone accelerator for radioisotope production.

First prototype is being manufactured. Beam tests scheduled for 2016.

Some projects using this technology:

Advantages & Applications

Advantages

Modular, permitting cascading of several RFQ modules and integration into larger accelerating structure
Very compact
No shielding required

Applications

Linac-based proton therapy facilities
PET isotope production
Technetium production for SPECT tomography
Brachytherapy
Material analysis

Specifications

Operating at a frequency of 750 MHz and having adapted beam optics, this RFQ can reach an energy of 5 MeV over a distance of 2 m.

CERN Accelerating science

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