Technical Paper Abstract

Compact Proton Linac For PET Isotope Production^*

Donald A. Swenson,
Linac Systems, L.L.C.

A new source of PET isotopes will be presented to the PET community for the first time. This source draws upon the latest advances in linac technology, namely the development of the revolutionary RFD (Rf-Focused Drift-tube) linac structure. This new linac structure resembles a drift tube linac (DTL) with rf quadrupole (RFQ) focusing incorporated into each "drift tube". It offers the possibility of higher frequency operation with significantly higher rf power efficiency. This source has a beam energy of 12 MeV and an average beam current of 120 mA. It is packaged as two units, namely the linac unit and the rf power unit. The linac unit is similar in size and weight to a large xerox machine, namely, 3.1-m long, 0.8-m wide, 1.2-m high, and 1000 kg. It is anticipated that the proton beam be transported a short distance from the linac unit into a shielded, isotope-production target cell. No shielding is required around the rf power unit and only minimal shielding is required around the linac unit. The electrical power and cooling requirements for the entire source, during operation, are only 40 kW. This system offers "simultaneous" irradiation of up to three targets. This compact and efficient unit promises to have a significant impact on the cost of acquiring, operating, and maintaining PET Facilities. An overview of the design, the status of its development, and estimates of its cost and availability will be presented.

* Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).