Racetrack Microtron—Pushing the Limits

We consider three types of electron accelerators that can be used for various applications, such as industrial, medical, cargo inspection, and isotope production applications, and that require small- and medium-sized machines, namely classical microtron (CM), race-track microtron (RTM), and multisection linac. We review the principles of their operation, the specific features of the beam dynamics in these machines, discuss their advantages and weak points, and compare their technical characteristics. In particular, we emphasize the intrinsic symmetry of the stability region of microtrons. We argue that RTMs can be a preferable choice for medium energies (up to 100 MeV) and that the range of their potential applications can be widened, provided that the beam current losses are significantly reduced. In the article, we analyze two possible solutions in detail, namely increasing the longitudinal acceptance of an RTM using a higher-order harmonic accelerating structure and improving beam matching at the injection.

Optics for the IASA cw RTM

A Continuous Wave Cascade Racetrack Microtron (RTM) is being built at the Institute of Accelerating Systems and Applications (IASA). Making optimal use of the available equipment (obtained from NIST and the University of Illinois), a two-stage ν = 1 Cascade scheme with optics similar to those of the Mainz RTM was adopted. The IASA CW RTM will provide a variable output energy from 6.5 to 246 MeV, with current intensity exceeding ΙΟΟμΑ The LANL side-coupled linear accelerator structure operates at the RF frequency of 2380 MHz. The new design provides excellent emittance characteristics. Details of the optics design and results of the 100 keV beam Line of the Athens CW Cascade RTM are presented.

The IASA Racetrack Microtron Facility

The Institute of Accelerating Systems and Applications (IASA) is pursuing research and facilitates postgraduate studies in traditional and cross-disciplinary areas where accelerators play an important role. The first major facility of IASA, now under construction, is a 246 MeV two-stage CW Cascade microtron. The planned experimental programs and facilities include nuclear and particle physics, nuclear medicine, archeometry and material science.

Control System Implementation for the IASA Microtron

A progress report on the architectural design and implementation of the Control System for the Racetrack Microtron at the Institute of Accelerating Systems and Applications (IASA) in Athens, Greece is presented. The Control System for the IASA CW Microtron is being developed on the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) environment. Since top priority for this project is the construction and commissioning of the Mcrotron's injector, emphasis is being given to the definition and refinement of the Control Architecture and its realization for the injector. The experience gained from the Control System at the injector will guide the further development of the Control System for the entire Microtron.

Channeling Experiments at the Mainz Microtron MAMI

The electron accelerator MAMI is multilevel racetrack microtron with a beam energy from 180 MeV up to 1.6 GeV and a continiuous beam current of more than 20 µA. [...]

Accelerator Science and Technology in Canada — From the Microtron to TRIUMF, Superconducting Cyclotrons and the Canadian Light Source

As elsewhere, accelerators in Canada have evolved from modest beginnings to major facilities such as TRIUMF (currently with the highest-power driver for rare isotope beam production) and the third generation Canadian Light Source. Highlights along the way include construction of the first microtron, the first racetrack microtron and the first superconducting cyclotron (to which list might have been added the first pulse stretcher ring, had it been funded sooner). This article will summarize the history of accelerators in Canada, documenting both the successes and the near-misses. Besides the research accelerators, a thriving commercial sector has developed, manufacturing small cyclotrons and linacs, beam line components and superconducting rf cavities.