NSF Award
9260983
There are multiple applications for compact particle accelerator, especially high energy ?Tens of MeV! and high current ?KA! output. Gradients of 10 to 20 MV/m are possible only with RF accelerators, and existing Linear Induction Accelerators do not operate at over 1 MV/m. Tetra Corporation has developed an insulator technology to suppress and enhance vacuum surface flashover. The technology has been demonstrated to operate up to the gap's vacuum breakdown strength 40 MV/m at 100 ns long pulses, with the estimated theoretical limit in the 100's of MV/m range. This technology will be developed for use in linear induction accelerators and dielectric wall induction linacs. At the present, the technology has been demonstrated for use as a vacuum dielectric insulator for gradients of 40 MV/m at pulse length of 100 to 200 nsec. There is evidence that at shorter pulses (10 to 50 nsec or shorter) the breakdown strength will increase. The Phase II program will develop a compact accelerator for two basic commercial opportunities; waste treatment and reduction, and a source for compact electron microscopy. Design is extended to include a better structural protection and the ability to be driven with a high current single pulse source or RF.
