Status of RFD and RFI Development

The "proof-of-principle" prototype of the Rf Focused Drift tube (RFD) linac structure came into operation on June 19, 2000. This achievement had been delayed multiple times by a host of minor problems, each of which were overcome. Linac Systems, LLC is now ready to enter into a development contract, according to the attached Procurement Conditions, for the purpose of building an RFD- or RFI- based linac system for one of many potential scientific, medical, industrial, defense, and/or homeland security applications.

The basic principles of the RFD Linac Structure are well established. Beam dynamics simulation tools indicate that it will have a significant impact on the size, cost and complexity of ion linac systems for scientific, medical, industrial, and homeland security applications. Physics and mechanical designs are mature and fabrication techniques for all components have been established.

Development of the "RFD Linac Structure" for several medical applications, including the production of radioisotopes for PET, epithermal neutron beams for BNCT, and proton beams for Proton Therapy had been supported by grants from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

Development of the new "RFI Linac Structure" is being supported by grants from the DOE. This structure too, will have a significant impact on linac technology. A "cold" model is currently under test in the Linac Systems' technical laboratories.

Several reports on this work and the "RFD Linac Structure" can be found on the Publications and Patents page.