Sub-MeV ultra-compact linac for radioactive isotope sources replacement, non-destructive testing, security and medical applications

Abstract RadiaBeam Technologies, LLC has developed an inexpensive, hand-portable 180 keV electron accelerator to replace 57Co radionuclide sources in Cascade Header Enrichment Monitor detectors. We used two innovative technologies in our design: a Ku-band (1 cm wavelength) magnetron, and a split accelerating structure design to reduce manufacturing costs. In this paper, we will discuss the accelerator, including X-ray convertor and accelerating structure design. The results of RF measurements of a Ku-band split structure prototype will also be reviewed. Other applications of Ku-band linacs include compact backscatter and transmission X-ray security inspection systems, as well as computed tomography (CT) systems for luggage and parcel screening. The main requirement for luggage inspection systems is that the X-ray source must be extremely compact. Further, the required energies should cover the range from 180 keV to 1 MeV. In this paper, we will discuss the linac’s energy scalability and other modifications that will enable our technology to address these applications.