Technical Paper Abstract

12-MeV Proton Linac for PET Isotope Production

D.A. Swenson,

A new proton-linac-based source of PET isotopes is under development at Linac Systems. At the heart of this source is a compact 12-MeV proton linac based on the revolutionary new Rf-Focused Drift tube (RFD) linac structure. A "proof of principle" prototype of this new linac structure is under construction at Linac Systems. This prototype, funded by a Phase II SBIR grant from the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), comprises a 20-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. This prototype is scheduled for completion in the summer of 1997. The status of this project will be presented.

The design of a 12-MeV, 120-mA PET Isotope Production unit will proceed in parallel with the testing of the "proof-of-principle" prototype. The production unit will be approximately 10-ft long and weigh approximately one ton. The electrical power and cooling requirements will be very modest (40 kW) by cyclotron standards. The system will offer simultaneous irradiation of up to 3 targets. The proton beam from the linac can be directed onto any of three targets or shared between them. With 1/3 of the beam on an appropriate target, the yields of C-11, N-13, O-15 and F-18 for a 20-minute irradiation are expected to be 800, 500, 2200, and 600 mCi, respectively. Production units are expected to be ready for delivery two years from now at a cost of less than $1M.