High-Power Multi-Cavity Proton Cyclotron Accelerator

70272 A high-intensity GeV-scale proton accelerator can satisfy a number of applications in high energy physics, and several designs that employ superconducting radio frequency (rf) cavities are being considered. This project will investigate an alternative concept that employs room-temperature cavities, wherein energy is gained by the protons in cyclotron resonance acceleration through a cascade of cavities of decreasing frequency, with an effective acceleration gradient of 40 MV/m. In Phase I, particle simulation studies for proton orbits in realistic cavities will be carried out to maximize the acceleration gradient, while minimizing emittance growth, for finite initial beam emittance. Novel cavity designs, including radial vanes, will be considered as a means of reducing cavity size. A design for a scaled electron version of the accelerator will be developed and built during Phase II to confirm the proton accelerator concept. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The high acceleration gradient should make the proton accelerator attractive for applications where physical space is at a premium, and/or where superconducting rf cavities are not desired. Such applications include transmutation of nuclear waste, and sub-critical nuclear reactors. The adoption of the novel accelerator for one or both of these applications could open up a market in the hundred million dollar range.