Showing papers on "Linear particle accelerator published in 2015"

The free-electron laser FLASH

Abstract: FLASH at DESY, Hamburg, Germany is the first free-electron laser (FEL) operating in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and soft x-ray wavelength range. FLASH is a user facility providing femtosecond short pulses with an unprecedented peak and average brilliance, opening new scientific opportunities in many disciplines. The first call for user experiments has been launched in 2005. The FLASH linear accelerator is based on TESLA superconducting technology, providing several thousands of photon pulses per second to user experiments. Probing femtosecond-scale dynamics in atomic and molecular reactions using, for instance, a combination of x-ray and optical pulses in a pump and probe arrangement, as well as single-shot diffraction imaging of biological objects and molecules, are typical experiments performed at the facility. We give an overview of the FLASH facility, and describe the basic principles of the accelerator. Recently, FLASH has been extended by a second undulator beamline (FLASH2) operated in parallel to the first beamline, extending the capacity of the facility by a factor of two.

Demonstration of Cathode Emittance Dominated High Bunch Charge Beams in a DC gun-based Photoinjector

Abstract: We present the results of transverse emittance and longitudinal current profile measurements of high bunch charge (≥100 pC) beams produced in the DC gun-based Cornell energy recovery linac photoinjector. In particular, we show that the cathode thermal and core beam emittances dominate the final 95% and core emittances measured at 9–9.5 MeV. Additionally, we demonstrate excellent agreement between optimized 3D space charge simulations and measurement, and show that the quality of the transverse laser distribution limits the optimal simulated and measured emittances. These results, previously thought achievable only with RF guns, demonstrate that DC gun based photoinjectors are capable of delivering beams with sufficient single bunch charge and beam quality suitable for many current and next generation accelerator projects such as Energy Recovery Linacs and Free Electron Lasers.

High-resolution single-shot spectral monitoring of hard x-ray free-electron laser radiation

Abstract: We have developed an on-line spectrometer for hard x-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) radiation based on a nanostructured diamond diffraction grating and a bent crystal analyzer. Our method provides high spectral resolution, interferes negligibly with the XFEL beam, and can withstand the intense hard x-ray pulses at high repetition rates of >100 Hz. The spectrometer is capable of providing shot-to-shot spectral information for the normalization of data obtained in scientific experiments and optimization of the accelerator operation parameters. We have demonstrated these capabilities of the setup at the Linac Coherent Light Source, in self-amplified spontaneous emission mode at full energy of >1 mJ with a 120 Hz repetition rate, obtaining a resolving power of E/δE>3×104. The device was also used to monitor the effects of pulse duration down to 8 fs by analysis of the spectral spike width.

Calibration of GafChromic EBT3 for absorbed dose measurements in 5 MeV proton beam and 60Co γ-rays

Abstract: Purpose: To study EBT3 GafChromic film in low-energy protons, and for comparison purposes, in a reference 60Co beam in order to use it as a calibrated dosimetry system in the proton irradiation facility under construction within the framework of the Oncological Therapy with Protons (TOP)-Intensity Modulated Proton Linear Accelerator for RadioTherapy (IMPLART) Project at ENEA-Frascati, Italy. Methods: EBT3 film samples were irradiated at the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare—Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro, Italy, with a 5 MeV proton beam generated by a 7 MV Van de Graaff CN accelerator. The nominal dose rates used were 2.1 Gy/min and 40 Gy/min. The delivered dose was determined by measuring the particle fluence and the energy spectrum in air with silicon surface barrier detector monitors. A preliminary study of the EBT3 film beam quality dependence in low-energy protons was conducted by passively degrading the beam energy. EBT3 films were also irradiated at ENEA-National Institute of Ionizing Radiation Metrology with gamma radiation produced by a 60Co source characterized by an absorbed dose to water rate of 0.26 Gy/min as measured by a calibrated Farmer type ionization chamber. EBT3 film calibration curves were determined by means of a set of 40 film pieces irradiated to various doses ranging from 0.5 Gy to 30 Gy absorbed dose to water. An EPSON Expression 11000XL color scanner in transmission mode was used for film analysis. Scanner response stability, intrafilm uniformity, and interfilm reproducibility were verified. Optical absorption spectra measurements were performed on unirradiated and irradiated EBT3 films to choose the most sensitive color channel to the dose range used. Results: EBT3 GafChromic films show an under response up to about 33% for low-energy protons with respect to 60Co gamma radiation, which is consistent with the linear energy transfer dependence already observed with higher energy protons, and a negligible dose-rate dependence in the 2–40 Gy/min range. Short- and long-term scanner stabilities were 0.5% and 1.5%, respectively; film uniformity and reproducibility were better than 0.5%. Conclusions: The main purpose of this study was to implement EBT3 dosimetry in the proton low-energy radiobiology line of the TOP-IMPLART accelerator, having a maximum energy of 7 MeV. Low-energy proton and 60Co calibrated sources were used to investigate the behavior of film response vs to be written in italicum dose. The calibration in 5 MeV protons is currently used for dose assessment in the radiobiological experiments at the TOP-IMPLART accelerator carried out at that energy value.

Optimization of free electron laser performance by dispersion-based beam-tilt correction

Abstract: Free electron lasers in the X-ray regime require a good slice alignment along the electron bunch to achieve their best performance. A transverse beam slice shift reduces this alignment and spoils projected emittance and optics. Coherent synchrotron radiation specifically for over-compression and transverse wakefields are major contributors to this. In the case of the large-bandwidth operation, based on a strictly monotonic energy chirp of the bunch, the here introduced correction additionally enhances the spectral bandwidth of the FEL pulse. Well-defined leaking of dispersion at places with a strictly monotonic longitudinal phase space can compensate a beam tilt. This work presents a way to characterize the beam tilt as well as a method to correct for it within a linear accelerator with at least one high dispersive section with corrector magnets.

Dark current studies on a normal-conducting high-brightness very-high-frequency electron gun operating in continuous wave mode

Abstract: We report on measurements and analysis of a field-emitted electron current in the very-high-frequency (VHF) gun, a room temperature rf gun operating at high field and continuous wave (CW) mode at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). The VHF gun is the core of the Advanced Photo-injector Experiment (APEX) at LBNL, geared toward the development of an injector for driving the next generation of high average power x-ray free electron lasers. High accelerating fields at the cathode are necessary for the high-brightness performance of an electron gun. When coupled with CW operation, such fields can generate a significant amount of field-emitted electrons that can be transported downstream the accelerator forming the so-called ``dark current.'' Elevated levels of a dark current can cause radiation damage, increase the heat load in the downstream cryogenic systems, and ultimately limit the overall performance and reliability of the facility. We performed systematic measurements that allowed us to characterize the field emission from the VHF gun, determine the location of the main emitters, and define an effective strategy to reduce and control the level of dark current at APEX. Furthermore, the energy spectra of isolated sources have been measured. A simple model for energy data analysis was developed that allows one to extract information on the emitter from a single energy distribution measurement.

Implementation of Radio-Frequency Deflecting Devices for Comprehensive High-Energy Electron Beam Diagnosis

Abstract: In next-generation light sources, high-brightness electron beams are used in a free-electron laser configuration to produce light for use by scientists and engineers in numerous fields of research. High-brightness beams are described for such light sources as having low transverse and longitudinal emittances, high peak currents, and low slice emittance and energy spread. The optimal generation and preservation of such high-brightness electron beams during the acceleration process and propagation to and through the photon-producing element is imperative to the quality and performance of the light source. To understand the electron beam’s phase space in the accelerating section of a next-generation light source machine, we employed radio-frequency cavities operating in a deflecting mode in conjunction with a magnetic spectrometer and imaging system for both low (250 MeV) and high (1.2 GeV) electron energies. This high-resolution, high-energy system is an essential diagnostic for the optimization and control of the electron beam in the FERMI light source generating fully transversely and longitudinally coherent light in the VUV to soft x-ray wavelength regimes. This device is located at the end of the linear accelerator in order to provide the longitudinal phase space nearest to the entrance of the photon-producing beam-lines. Here, we describe the design, fabrication, characterization, commissioning, and operational implementation of this transverse deflecting cavity structure diagnostic system for the high-energy (1.2 GeV) regime.

Radiobiological response to ultra-short pulsed megavoltage electron beams of ultra-high pulse dose rate

Abstract: Purpose: In line with the long-term aim of establishing the laser-based particle acceleration for future medical application, the radiobiological consequences of the typical ultra-short pulses and ultra-high pulse dose rate can be investigated with electron delivery.Materials and methods: The radiation source ELBE (Electron Linac for beams with high Brilliance and low Emittance) was used to mimic the quasi-continuous electron beam of a clinical linear accelerator (LINAC) for comparison with electron pulses at the ultra-high pulse dose rate of 1010 Gy min−1 either at the low frequency of a laser accelerator or at 13 MHz avoiding effects of prolonged dose delivery. The impact of pulse structure was analyzed by clonogenic survival assay and by the number of residual DNA double-strand breaks remaining 24 h after irradiation of two human squamous cell carcinoma lines of differing radiosensitivity.Results: The radiation response of both cell lines was found to be independent from electron pulse structur...

First acceleration of a proton beam in a side coupled drift tube linac

Abstract: We report the first experiment aimed at the demonstration of low-energy protons acceleration by a high-efficiency S-band RF linear accelerator. The proton beam has been accelerated from 7 to 11.6 MeV by a 1 meter long SCDTL (Side Coupled Drift Tube Linac) module powered with 1.3 MW. The experiment has been done in the framework of the Italian TOP-IMPLART (Oncological Therapy with Protons-Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy Linear Accelerator for Radio-Therapy) project devoted to the realization of a proton therapy centre based on a proton linear accelerator for intensity modulated cancer treatments to be installed at IRE-IFO, the largest oncological hospital in Rome. It is the first proton therapy facility employing a full linear accelerator scheme based on high-frequency technology.

Virtual charge state separator as an advanced tool coupling measurements and simulations

Abstract: A new Low Energy Beam Transport (LEBT) for multicharge uranium beam will be built at GSI High Current Injector (HSI). All uranium charge states coming from the new ion source will be injected into GSI heavy ion high current HSI-RFQ, but only design ions U 4+ will be accelerated to the final RFQ energy. A detailed knowledge about injected beam- current and -emittance for pure design U 4+ ions is necessary for a proper beam line design commissioning and operation, while the measurements are possible only for a full beam including all charge states. Detailed measurements of beam current and emittance are performed behind the first quadrupole triplet at the beam line. A dedicated algorithm, based on combination of measurements and results of an advanced beam dynamics simulations, provides for an extraction of beam- current and -emittance for only U 4+ component of a beam. The obtained results and final beam dynamics design for the new straight beam line are presented.

Simulation of the 6 MV Elekta Synergy Platform linac photon beam using Geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission.

Abstract: The present work validates the Geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission Monte Carlo software for the simulation of a 6 MV photon beam given by Elekta Synergy Platform medical linear accelerator treatment head. The simulation includes the major components of the linear accelerator (LINAC) with multi-leaf collimator and a homogeneous water phantom. Calculations were performed for the photon beam with several treatment field sizes ranging from 5 cm × 5 cm to 30 cm × 30 cm at 100 cm distance from the source. The simulation was successfully validated by comparison with experimental distributions. Good agreement between simulations and measurements was observed, with dose differences of about 0.02% and 2.5% for depth doses and lateral dose profiles, respectively. This agreement was also emphasized by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness-of-fit test and by the gamma-index comparisons where more than 99% of the points for all simulations fulfill the quality assurance criteria of 2 mm/2%.

Monte Carlo simulation of the dose response of a novel 2D silicon diode array for use in hybrid MRI-LINAC systems.

Abstract: Purpose: MRI-guided radiation therapy systems (MRIgRT) are being developed to improve online imaging during treatment delivery. At present, the operation of single point dosimeters and an ionization chamber array have been characterized in such systems. This work investigates a novel 2D diode array, named “magic plate,” for both single point calibration and 2D positional performance, the latter being a key element of modern radiotherapy techniques that will be delivered by these systems. Methods: GEANT4 Monte Carlo methods have been employed to study the dose response of a silicon diode array to 6 MV photon beams, in the presence of in-line and perpendicularly aligned uniform magnetic fields. The array consists of 121 silicon diodes (dimensions 1.5 × 1.5 × 0.38 mm{sup 3}) embedded in kapton substrate with 1 cm pitch, spanning a 10 × 10 cm{sup 2} area in total. A geometrically identical, water equivalent volume was simulated concurrently for comparison. The dose response of the silicon diode array was assessed for various photon beam field shapes and sizes, including an IMRT field, at 1 T. The dose response was further investigated at larger magnetic field strengths (1.5 and 3 T) for a 4 × 4 cm{sup 2} photon field size.more » Results: The magic plate diode array shows excellent correspondence (< ± 1%) to water dose in the in-line orientation, for all beam arrangements and magnetic field strengths investigated. The perpendicular orientation, however, exhibits a dose shift with respect to water at the high-dose-gradient beam edge of jaw-defined fields [maximum (4.3 ± 0.8)% over-response, maximum (1.8 ± 0.8)% under-response on opposing side for 1 T, uncertainty 1σ]. The trend is not evident in areas with in-field dose gradients typical of IMRT dose maps. Conclusions: A novel 121 pixel silicon diode array detector has been characterized by Monte Carlo simulation for its performance inside magnetic fields representative of current prototype and proposed MRI–linear accelerator systems. In the in-line orientation, the silicon dose is directly proportional to the water dose. In the perpendicular orientation, there is a shift in dose response relative to water in the highest dose gradient regions, at the edge of jaw-defined and single-segment MLC fields. The trend was not observed in-field for an IMRT beam. The array is expected to be a valuable tool in MRIgRT dosimetry.« less

Introduction to Accelerator Physics

Abstract: The development of charged particle accelerators and it’s underlying principles has its basis on the theoretical and experimental progress in fundamental physical phenomena. While active particle accelerator experimentation started seriously only in the twentieth century, it depended on the basic physical understanding of electromagnetic phenomena as investigated both theoretically and experimentally mainly during the nineteenth and beginning twentieth century. In this introduction we will recall briefly the history leading to particle accelerator development, applications and introduce basic definitions and formulas governing particle beam dynamics.

Electron cooling system in the booster synchrotron of the HIAF project

Abstract: The High Intensity heavy ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF) is a new accelerator complex under design at the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP). The facility is aiming at the production of high intensity heavy ion beams for a wide range of experiments in high energy density physics, nuclear physics, atomic physics and other applications. It consists of a superconducting electron-cyclotron-resonance ion source and an intense proton ion source, a linear accelerator, a 34 Tm booster synchrotron ring, a 43 Tm multifunction compression synchrotron ring, a 13 Tm high precision spectrometer ring and several experimental terminals. A magnetized electron cooling device is supposed to be used in the booster ring for decreasing the transverse emittance of injected beams. The conceptual design and main parameters of this cooler are presented in this paper.

Simulation of a medical linear accelerator for teaching purposes.

Abstract: Simulation software for medical linear accelerators that can be used in a teaching environment was developed. The components of linear accelerators were modeled to first order accuracy using analytical expressions taken from the literature. The expressions used constants that were empirically set such that realistic response could be expected. These expressions were programmed in a MATLAB environment with a graphical user interface in order to produce an environment similar to that of linear accelerator service mode. The program was evaluated in a systematic fashion, where parameters affecting the clinical properties of medical linear accelerator beams were adjusted independently, and the effects on beam energy and dose rate recorded. These results confirmed that beam tuning adjustments could be simulated in a simple environment. Further, adjustment of service parameters over a large range was possible, and this allows the demonstration of linear accelerator physics in an environment accessible to both medical physicists and linear accelerator service engineers. In conclusion, a software tool, named SIMAC, was developed to improve the teaching of linear accelerator physics in a simulated environment. SIMAC performed in a similar manner to medical linear accelerators. The authors hope that this tool will be valuable as a teaching tool for medical physicists and linear accelerator service engineers.

Lattice and Beam Dynamics of the Energy Recovery Mode of the Mainz Energy-recovering Superconducting Accelerator MESA

Abstract: The Mainz Energy-recovering Superconducting Accelerator (MESA) is a proposed multi-turn energy recovery linac for particle physics experiments [1, 2]. It will be built at the Institute for Nuclear Physics (KPH) at Mainz University. Because of the multi-turn energy recovery mode, there are particular demands on the beam dynamics. We present the current status of the lattice development.

Intense and energetic radiation from crystalline undulators

Abstract: With the recent experimental confirmation of the existence of energetic radiation from a Small Amplitude, Small Period (SASP) crystalline undulator (Wistisen et al., 2014), the field of specially manufactured crystals, from which specific radiation characteristics can be obtained, has evolved substantially. In the present paper we show how the radiation spectra can be tuned, using electrons and positrons of energies from 100 MeV up to 20 GeV. The latter energy is relevant for possible experiments at the FACET facility at Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC), whereas 100 MeV has been chosen to show the potentialities connected to using crystalline undulators as radiation targets for Nuclear Waste Transmutation (NWT). Energies in the few hundred MeV range are relevant for the facilities at the MAinzer MIcrotron (MAMI). For the 20 GeV case we show explicitly that quantum corrections to the emission spectrum become very significant, an effect that may be observed in the near future using the FACET beam at SLAC.

Field size dependent mapping of medical linear accelerator radiation leakage

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the suitability of a graphics library based model for the assessment of linear accelerator radiation leakage. Transmission through the shielding elements was evaluated using the build-up factor corrected exponential attenuation law and the contribution from the electron guide was estimated using the approximation of a linear isotropic radioactive source. Model parameters were estimated by a fitting series of thermoluminescent dosimeter leakage measurements, achieved up to 100 cm from the beam central axis along three directions. The distribution of leakage data at the patient plane reflected the architecture of the shielding elements. Thus, the maximum leakage dose was found under the collimator when only one jaw shielded the primary beam and was about 0.08% of the dose at isocentre. Overall, we observe that the main contributor to leakage dose according to our model was the electron beam guide. Concerning the discrepancies between the measurements used to calibrate the model and the calculations from the model, the average difference was about 7%. Finally, graphics library modelling is a readily and suitable way to estimate leakage dose distribution on a personal computer. Such data could be useful for dosimetric evaluations in late effect studies.

PHITS simulations of absorbed dose out-of-field and neutron energy spectra for ELEKTA SL25 medical linear accelerator

Abstract: Monte Carlo (MC) based calculation methods for modeling photon and particle transport, have several potential applications in radiotherapy. An essential requirement for successful radiation therapy is that the discrepancies between dose distributions calculated at the treatment planning stage and those delivered to the patient are minimized. It is also essential to minimize the dose to radiosensitive and critical organs. With MC technique, the dose distributions from both the primary and scattered photons can be calculated. The out-of-field radiation doses are of particular concern when high energy photons are used, since then neutrons are produced both in the accelerator head and inside the patients. Using MC technique, the created photons and particles can be followed and the transport and energy deposition in all the tissues of the patient can be estimated. This is of great importance during pediatric treatments when minimizing the risk for normal healthy tissue, e.g. secondary cancer. The purpose of this work was to evaluate 3D general purpose PHITS MC code efficiency as an alternative approach for photon beam specification. In this study, we developed a model of an ELEKTA SL25 accelerator and used the transport code PHITS for calculating the total absorbed dose and the neutron energy spectra infield and outside the treatment field. This model was validated against measurements performed with bubble detector spectrometers and Boner sphere for 18 MV linacs, including both photons and neutrons. The average absolute difference between the calculated and measured absorbed dose for the out-of-field region was around 11%. Taking into account a simplification for simulated geometry, which does not include any potential scattering materials around, the obtained result is very satisfactorily. A good agreement between the simulated and measured neutron energy spectra was observed while comparing to data found in the literature.

Design, construction and tuning of S-band coupler for electron linear accelerator of institute for research in fundamental sciences (IPM E-linac)

Abstract: Design and construction of an electron linear accelerator by Institute for Research in Fundamental Science (IPM) is considered as Iran’s first attempt to construct such an accelerator. In order to design a linear accelerating tube, after defining the accelerating tube and buncher geometries, RF input and output couplers must be designed. In this article, firstly, a brief report on the specifications of an S-band electron linear accelerator which is in progress in the school of particles and accelerators is presented and then, the design process and construction reports of the couplers required for this accelerator are described. Through performing necessary calculations and tuning the coupling factor and resonant frequency, couplers with desired specification have been fabricated by shrinking method. The final obtained coupling factor and resonant frequency have been respectively 1.05 and 2997 MHz for the first coupler, and 0.98 and 2996.9 MHz for the second one that are close to calculation results.

Measurements and Analysis of a High-Brightness Electron Beam Collimated in a Magnetic Bunch Compressor

Abstract: A collimator located in a magnetic bunch compressor of a linear accelerator driven x-ray free electron laser has many potential applications, such as the removal of horns in the current distribution, the generation of ultrashort beams, and as a diagnostic of the beam slice emittance. Collective effects, however, are a major concern in applying the technique. Systematic measurements of emittance and analysis were performed using a collimator in the first bunch compressor of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS). In the nominal, undercompressed configuration using the collimator we find that the $y$ emittance (nonbending plane) is not increased, and the $x$ emittance (in the bending plane) is increased by about 25%, in comparison to the injector emittance. From the analysis we conclude that the parasitic effects associated with this method are dominated by coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR), which causes a ``systematic error'' for measuring slice emittance at the bending plane using the collimation method. In general, we find good agreement between the measurements and simulations including CSR. However, for overcompressed beams at smaller collimator gaps, an extra emittance increase is found that does not agree with 1D simulations and is not understood.

The Cornell-BNL FFAG-ERL Test Accelerator: White Paper

Abstract: The Cornell-BNL FFAG-ERL Test Accelerator (C$\beta$) will comprise the first ever Energy Recovery Linac (ERL) based on a Fixed Field Alternating Gradient (FFAG) lattice. In particular, we plan to use a Non Scaling FFAG (NS-FFAG) lattice that is very compact and thus space- and cost- effective, enabling multiple passes of the electron beam in a single recirculation beam line, using the superconducting RF (SRF) linac multiple times. The FFAG-ERL moves the cost optimized linac and recirculation lattice to a dramatically better optimum. The prime accelerator science motivation for C$\beta$ is proving that the FFAG-ERL concept works. This is an important milestone for the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) plans to build a major Nuclear Physics facility, eRHIC, based on producing 21 GeV electron beams to collide with the RHIC ion beams. A consequence of the C$\beta$ work would be the availability of significantly better, cost-effective, compact CW high-brightness electron beams for a plethora of scientific investigations and applications, such as X-ray sources, dark-matter and dark-energy searches, and industrial high-power Free-Electron Laser (FEL) applications. C$\beta$ brings together the resources and expertise of a large DOE National Laboratory, BNL, and a leading research university, Cornell. C$\beta$ will be built in an existing building at Cornell, for the most part using components that have been developed under previous R&D programs, including a fully commissioned world-leading photoemission electron injector, a large SRF accelerator module, and a high-power beam stop. The only elements that require design and construction from scratch is the FFAG magnet transport lattice. This white paper describes a project that promises to propel high-power, high-brightness electron beam science and applications to an exciting new level.

Phase space determination from measured dose data for intraoperative electron radiation therapy

Abstract: A procedure to characterize beams of a medical linear accelerator for their use in Monte Carlo (MC) dose calculations for intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT) is presented. The procedure relies on dose measurements in homogeneous media as input, avoiding the need for detailed simulations of the accelerator head. An iterative algorithm (EM-ML) has been employed to extract the relevant details of the phase space (PHSP) of the particles coming from the accelerator, such as energy spectra, spatial distribution and angle of emission of particles. The algorithm can use pre-computed dose volumes in water and/or air, so that the machine-specific tuning with actual data can be performed in a few minutes. To test the procedure, MC simulations of a linear accelerator with typical IOERT applicators and energies, have been performed and taken as reference. A solution PHSP derived from the dose produced by the simulated accelerator has been compared to the reference PHSP. Further, dose delivered by the simulated accelerator for setups not included in the fit of the PHSP were compared to the ones derived from the solution PHSP. The results show that it is possible to derive from dose measurements PHSP accurate for IOERT MC dose estimations.

Achromatic and isochronous lattice design of P2DT bending section in RAON accelerator

Abstract: In RAON heavy ion accelerator, generally, the In-flight Fragmentation (IF) and Isotope Separation On-Line (ISOL) systems are employed in order to produce various isotope beams. Out of the isotope beams, the beams generated by the ISOL system are transported from the low energy linac SCL3 to the high energy driver linac SCL2. The post-accelerator to the driver linac transport (P2DT) section that consists of the charge stripper section, the 180° bending section, and the SCL2 matching section is placed between the SCL3 and the SCL2. In this P2DT section, however, the transverse and longitudinal emittance growth can aggravate the beam acceptance of the SCL2. Besides, the growth at the P2DT 180° bending section is considered a significant issue because of the unexpected achromatic effect. Therefore an achromatic and isochronous lattice design should be devised to prevent the transverse and longitudinal emittance from increasing while the multi-charge beams flow through the bending section. This study reports an improved design for the achromatic and isochronous lattice up to the second-order. After satisfying the first-order achromatic and isochronous condition by adjusting the field strength of quadrupoles with this design, the simple and efficient method will be utilized with the aim of getting the minimum number of sextupoles. The research on the collimator for the charge selection at the bending section will be also represented by using the designed lattice.

Suppression of microbunching instability via a transverse gradient undulator

Abstract: The microbunching instability in the linear accelerator (linac) of a free-electron laser facility has always been a problem that degrades the electron beam quality. In this paper, a quite simple and inexpensive technique is proposed to smooth the electron beam current profile to suppress the instability. By directly adding a short undulator with a transverse gradient field right after the injector to couple the transverse spread into the longitudinal direction, additional density mixing in the electron beam is introduced to smooth the current profile, which results in the reduction of the gain of the microbunching instability. The magnitude of the density mixing can be easily controlled by varying the strength of the undulator magnetic field. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations demonstrate the capability of the proposed technique in the accelerator of an x-ray free-electron laser.

Small field dosimetry and analysis of flattening filter free beams in true beam system

Abstract: Aim of Study: The purpose of this study was to report the dosimetric characteristics of the small fields in flattening filter free (FFF) beams (output measurements, profile analysis, surface dose and consistency) generated by medical linear accelerator and its variation with respect to flattened beams (FB). Materials and Methods: Surface doses were obtained for field sizes 1 × 1-40 × 40 cm 2 . Field width and penumbra were analyzed for field sizes 1 × 1-40 × 40 cm 2 . To take output factors for small fields, diode and micro chamber were used and data was taken at a source-to-surface distance (SSD) and extended SSD. Consistency checked for the dosimetric data for 1 year. Results: Surface doses were higher in FFF compared with FB up to 20 × 20 cm 2 field size. Measured field sizes were slightly lesser in FFF and penumbra values were increased with respect to field size in both FB and FFF. For small fields, diode values have shown more promising results than micro chamber. Small field output measurements at nominal SSD and extended SSD were well in agreement with each other. FFF beams showed good data consistency in 1 year duration. Conclusion: Small field dosimetry, surface dose, profile analysis and consistency of FFF beams in FFF photon beams were derived and data shown good consistency during 1 year duration.

Steps Towards Superconducting CW-LINAC for Heavy Ions at GSI

Abstract: A superconducting (sc) cw-Linac at GSI should ensure competitive production of Super Heavies in the future. Further R&D for this cw-Linac, a so called "Advanced cwdemonstrator", with maximal energy of 3.5MeV/u is ongoing. As a first step, the demonstrator project with one sc CH-cavity is completed, the beam tests are performed mid-summer 2017. The completion of the "Advanced CWDemonstrator" includes successive construction of at least one new cryogenic modules comprising three CH-cavities and two solenoids each. In this contribution the layout of the cryo module and the Helium distribution system are presented.

Undulator Development Towards Very Short Period Lengths

Abstract: Synchrotron light sources have made progress through the third generation to the fourth generation. Realization of linac-based free electron lasers is a representative example of recent remarkable achievements in fourth-generation light sources. In this progress, there has been a demand to reach shorter wave lengths to expand research possibilities. The on-axis wavelength λk of the k-th harmonic of the undulator radiation is given by Here, K is a deflection parameter proportional to the period length λu of the undulator magnetic field and the strength B0 of a periodic field of the undulator, At the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization of the Photon Factory (KEK-PF), research and development for in-vacuum undulators have focused on obtaining shorter wavelengths and higher-energy photons. Here, the undulator magnets are contained in the vacuum of the light source accelerator. This method allows one to utilize the shortest period length of the undulator field which can be produced by novel magnet ma...