Ultra-portable X-ray source for field radiography

High-energy X-ray sources are used in many security, industrial and medical applications. Particle accelerators represent a safer and much more flexible X-ray sources than radioisotopes. However, in order to be considered as a suitable replacement, the accelerator must have comparable weight, cost and dimensions. For example, in security applications such as field radiography and mobile cargo scanners, the systems must be highly portable to allow field operation. The weight and dimensions of the X-ray source become critical, while the required energy is reasonably low (few MeV). The main drivers of size and weight in conventional accelerators are the power source and the shielding. In order to develop an ultra-portable X-ray source in the MeV energy range, we will design the RF system to operate at high frequencies, making it smaller and requiring significantly less power than those operating at lower frequencies. In order to reduce the fabrication cost of accelerating structures, and allow mass-production, instead of machining dozens of individual cells that must then be brazed together and tuned, we will develop an RF structure that consistsof just two joined blocks of copper with a pattern micro-machined into the surface. This achieves greater precision at lower cost, reduces part count, avoids braze joints on sensitive RF features and potentially eliminates the need for tuning. In Phase I, we will carry out the conceptual design of the X-ray source, including the choice of optimal frequency, accelerating mode, and output parameters. We will perform beam dynamics, electromagnetic and multiphysics simulations, as well as conceptual engineering design. We will build a prototype of the split accelerating structure with tapered phase velocity and demonstrate the feasibility of such an approach using existing equipment on hand at RadiaBeam. The goal of his project is to build an ultra-compact portable radioactive material-free source of X-rays that will be used for field radiography, as well as for security and medical applications. The source would find application in non-destructive testing, cargo inspection, self-contained irradiators, and other places where radioisotopes are currently used.