Technical Paper Abstract

Prototype of the RFD Linac Structure

D.A. Swenson, F.W. Guy, and T.A. Topolski

K.R. Crandall, Consult Crandall

J.M. Potter, JP Accelerator Works, Inc.

A 2.5-MeV prototype of a "Compact 12-MeV Proton Linac for PET Isotope Production" is under construction at Linac Systems. This unit will serve as the "proof of principle" for the revolutionary new Rf Focused Drift tube (RFD) linac structure. Both the prototype and the production unit will operate at 600 MHz. The prototype comprises a 25-keV proton ion source, a short LEBT, a 0.65-m-long RFQ linac to 0.8 MeV, and a 0.35-m-long RFD linac to 2.5 MeV. Because of the similarity of the accelerating and focusing properties of the RFQ and RFD linac structures, no matching section is required between them. The two linac structures will be resonantly coupled together and powered by a collection of planar triodes. The prototype is scheduled for completion in the summer of 1998.