A compact linear accelerator based on a scalable microelectromechanical-system RF-structure

Area of Science:

• * Physics
• * Engineering

Background:

• * The Multiple Electrostatic Quadrupole Array Linear Accelerator (MEQALAC) structure, developed in the 1980s, utilized RF resonators and electrostatic quadrupoles (ESQs) for high beam currents.
• * Early MEQALAC designs featured ESQs with centimeter-scale dimensions.
• * A need exists for more compact and scalable accelerator designs.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To present a new, compact radio-frequency (RF) accelerator structure based on MEQALAC principles.
• * To demonstrate the feasibility of miniaturizing ESQ components using printed circuit board (PCB) technology.
• * To explore the potential for microfabrication techniques for mass production.

Main Methods:

• * Adaptation of the MEQALAC architecture using PCB fabrication for RF acceleration and ESQ focusing components.
• * Reduction of characteristic ESQ dimensions to the millimeter scale.
• * Development of a modular design using stacked wafers for accelerator assembly.

Main Results:

• * Proof-of-concept results for key RF acceleration and ESQ focusing components fabricated using PCB technology.
• * Demonstrated reduction in characteristic dimensions to the millimeter regime.
• * Successful prototyping of essential accelerator components.

Conclusions:

• * The presented PCB-based approach offers a pathway to compact, scalable, and cost-effective RF accelerators.
• * Miniaturization of ESQ components is achievable using PCB and potentially microfabrication techniques.
• * This technology holds promise for future applications requiring high beam currents and tunable energies.