Ir-192 radioisotope replacement with a hand-portable 1 MeV Ku-band electron linear accelerator. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kutsaev, S.V.; Agustsson, R.; Berry, R.; Boucher, S.; Bruhwiler, D.; Schulze, K.; Smirnov, A.Yu.; Taletski, K.
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 179(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: Linear accelerator -- Ir-192 replacement -- Field radiography -- Ku-band -- Split linac -- Hand-portable X-ray source; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2021.110029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: Although linear accelerators are used in many security, industrial and medical applications, the existing technologies are too large and expensive for several critical applications such as radioactive source replacement, field radiography and mobile cargo scanners. One of the main requirements for these sources is to be highly portable to allow field operation. In response to this problem, RadiaBeam has designed a hand-portable 1 MeV X-ray source, scalable to higher energies, based on Ku-band split electron linac, that can be used for Ir-192 radioisotope replacement. In this paper, we present its multiphysics and engineering design studies, as well as an accelerating structure prototype along with RF measurements. Highlights: There is an international effort to replace radioisotopes with alternative technologies for safety reasons. Ir-192 is used for field radiography applications. Particle accelerators can be a safe alternative to radioisotopes given comparable weight, size and costs. RadiaBeam has developed a hand-portable 1 MeV linac based on novel split Ku-band accelerating structure.