Compact, Portable Racetrack Cyclotron for Heavy-ion Radiation Testing of Electronics

There is a growing need to study the effects of radiation in space and during high-altitude flights on electronic systems. The ever increasing need for ground based testing has outstripped the supply of available accelerator facilities at which to perform this testing. In response to this problem, RadiaBeam, Michigan State University, and Particle Accelerator Corporation are developing a compact, transportable racetrack cyclotron that can accelerate a wide variety of ions up to 100 MeV/n. The system uses relatively mature accelerator technologies that have been implemented in cyclotrons around the world for decades, however it is configured in a novel way to fit within the footprint of two standard 40’ Conex containers. In Phase I, we generated a detailed design of the system, including thorough simulations to demonstrate feasibility, and examined preliminary engineering issues in order to prepare for Phase II. In Phase II, the design and engineering will be advanced to a high level of readiness and key components will be prototyped and tested. This will enable a low-risk transition to full system fabrication and testing in Phase III. Approved for Public Release | 22-MDA-11215 (27 Jul 22)