Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “BEAM LINES”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2

Redesigning the Jefferson Lab Hall A beam line for high precision parity experiments

The Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) was built with a thermionic electron source and the three original experimental hall lines reflected this. A few years after beam delivery began a parity violation experiment was approved and two polarimeters were installed in the Hall A beam line. The beam raster system was placed after the new Compton polarimeter, before one accelerator quadrupole and four quadrupoles in the new Moller polarimeter. It was very difficult to meet experimental requirements on envelope functions and raster shape with this arrangement so a sixth quadrupole was installed downstream of the Moller polarimeter to provide an additional degree of freedome. All of the parity experiments in Hall A have been run with this still-unsatisfactory configuration. The MOLLER experiment is predicated on achieving a 2% error on a 32 ppb asymmetry. Beam line changes are required to meet the systematic error budget. This work documents the existing beam line, an interim change which can be accomplished during a annual maintenance down, and the final configuration for MOLLER and subsequent experiments.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

SU-E-T-794: Validation of the MCNPX Monte Carlo Model of the Ocular Beam Line at the Proton Therapy Center Houston

Purpose: The PTCH is preparing the ocular proton beam nozzle for clinical use. Currently commissioning measurements are being performed using films, diodes and ionization chambers. In parallel, a Monte Carlo model of the beam line was created for integration into the automated Monte Carlo treatment plan computation system, MC{sup 2}. This work aims to compare Monte Carlo predictions to measured proton doses in order to validate the Monte Carlo model. Methods: A complete model of the double scattering ocular beam line has been created and is capable of simulating proton beams with a comprehensive set of beam modifying devices, including eleven different range modulator wheels. Simulations of doses in water were scored and compare to ion chamber measurements of depth doses, lateral dose profiles extracted from half beam block exposures of films, and diode measurements of lateral penumbrae at various depths. Results: All comparison resulted in an average relative entrance dose difference of less than 3% and peak dose difference of less than 2%. All range differences were smaller than 0.2 mm. The differences in the lateral beam profiles were smaller than 0.2 mm, and the differences in the penumbrae were all smaller than 0.4%. Conclusion: All available data shows excellent agreement of simulations and measurements. More measurements will have to be performed in order to completely and systematically validate the model. Besides simulating and measuring PDDs and lateral profiles of all remaining range modulator wheels, the absolute dosimetry factors in terms of number of source protons per monitor unit have to be determined.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Neutrinos from PIon Beam Line, nuPIL

LBNF-DUNE (Long Baseline Neutrino Facilities - Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment) is a project based at Fermilab to study neutrino oscillations. The current baseline regarding the neutrino production considers the conventional approach: a high energy proton beam hits a target, producing pions that are collected by a horn and that decay in a decay pipe. An alternative solution, called nuPIL (neutrinos from a Pion beam Line) consists of using a beam line to guide the pions to clean the beam and to put instrumentation to monitor it. This paper presents the concept and the first preliminary results.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Image quality improvement in megavoltage cone beam CT using an imaging beam line and a sintered pixelated array system

Purpose: To quantify the improvement in megavoltage cone beam computed tomography (MVCBCT) image quality enabled by the combination of a 4.2 MV imaging beam line (IBL) with a carbon electron target and a detector system equipped with a novel sintered pixelated array (SPA) of translucent Gd{sub 2}O{sub 2}S ceramic scintillator. Clinical MVCBCT images are traditionally acquired with the same 6 MV treatment beam line (TBL) that is used for cancer treatment, a standard amorphous Si (a-Si) flat panel imager, and the Kodak Lanex Fast-B (LFB) scintillator. The IBL produces a greater fluence of keV-range photons than the TBL, to which the detector response is more optimal, and the SPA is a more efficient scintillator than the LFB. Methods: A prototype IBL + SPA system was installed on a Siemens Oncor linear accelerator equipped with the MVision{sup TM} image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) system. A SPA strip consisting of four neighboring tiles and measuring 40 cm by 10.96 cm in the crossplane and inplane directions, respectively, was installed in the flat panel imager. Head- and pelvis-sized phantom images were acquired at doses ranging from 3 to 60 cGy with three MVCBCT configurations: TBL + LFB, IBL + LFB, and IBL + SPA. Phantom image quality at each dose was quantified using the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and modulation transfer function (MTF) metrics. Head and neck, thoracic, and pelvic (prostate) cancer patients were imaged with the three imaging system configurations at multiple doses ranging from 3 to 15 cGy. The systems were assessed qualitatively from the patient image data. Results: For head and neck and pelvis-sized phantom images, imaging doses of 3 cGy or greater, and relative electron densities of 1.09 and 1.48, the CNR average improvement factors for imaging system change of TBL + LFB to IBL + LFB, IBL + LFB to IBL + SPA, and TBL + LFB to IBL + SPA were 1.63 (p < 10{sup -8}), 1.64 (p < 10{sup -13}), 2.66 (p < 10{sup -9}), respectively. For all imaging doses, soft tissue contrast was more easily differentiated on IBL + SPA head and neck and pelvic images than TBL + LFB and IBL + LFB. IBL + SPA thoracic images were comparable to IBL + LFB images, but less noisy than TBL + LFB images at all imaging doses considered. The mean MTFs over all imaging doses were comparable, at within 3%, for all imaging system configurations for both the head- and pelvis-sized phantoms. Conclusions: Since CNR scales with the square root of imaging dose, changing from TBL + LFB to IBL + LFB and IBL + LFB to IBL + SPA reduces the imaging dose required to obtain a given CNR by factors of 0.38 and 0.37, respectively. MTFs were comparable between imaging system configurations. IBL + SPA patient image quality was always better than that of the TBL + LFB system and as good as or better than that of the IBL + LFB system, for a given dose.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

TU-H-BRA-07: Design, Construction, and Installation of An Experimental Beam Line for the Development of MRI-Linac Compatible Electron Accelerator

Purpose: MRI guided radiation therapy (MRIgRT) is a rapidly growing field; however, Linac operation in MRI fringe fields represents an ongoing challenge. We have previously shown in-silico that Linacs could be redesigned to function in the in-line orientation with no magnetic shielding by adopting an RF-gun configuration. Other authors have also published insilico studies of Linac operation in magnetic fields; however to date no experimental validation data is published. This work details the design, construction, and installation of an experimental beam line to validate our in-silico results. Methods: An RF-gun comprising 1.5 accelerating cells and capable of generating electron energies up to 3.2MeV is used. The experimental apparatus was designed to monitor both beam current (toroid current monitor), spot size (two phosphor screens with viewports), and generate peak magnetic fields of at least 1000G (three variable current electromagnetic coils). Thermal FEM simulations were developed to ensure coil temperature remained within 100degC. Other design considerations included beam disposal, vacuum maintenance, radiation shielding, earthquake safety, and machine protection interlocks. Results: The beam line has been designed, built, and installed in a radiation shielded bunker. Water cooling, power supplies, thermo-couples, cameras, and radiation shielding have been successfully connected and tested. Interlock testing, vacuum processing, and RF processing have been successfully completed. The first beam on is expected within weeks. The coil heating simulations show that with care, peak fields of up to 1200G (320G at cathode) can be produced using 40A current, which is well within the fields expected for MRI-Linac systems. The maximum coil temperature at this current was 84degC after 6 minutes. Conclusion: An experimental beam line has been constructed and installed at SLAC in order to experimentally characterise RF gun performance in in-line magnetic fields, validate in-silico design work, and provide the first published experimental data relating to accelerator functionality for MRIgRT.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

The MICE Muon Beam Line

In the Muon Ionization Cooling Experiment (MICE) at RAL, muons are produced and transported in a dedicated beam line connecting the production point (target) to the cooling channel. We discuss the main features of the beamline, meant to provide muons with momenta between 140 MeV/c and 240 MeV/c and emittances up to 10 mm rad, which is accomplished by means of a diffuser. Matching procedures to the MICE cooling channel are also described. In summer 2010 we performed an intense data taking campaign to finalize the calibration of the MICE Particle Identification (PID) detectors and the understanding of the beam line, which completes the STEPI phase of MICE. We highlight the main results from these data.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Beam Profile Measurement in MTA Beam Line for High Pressure RF Cavity Beam Test

Recent High Pressure RF (HPRF) cavity experiment at MuCool Test Area (MTA) has used 400 MeV Linac proton beam to study the beam loading effect. When the energetic proton beam passes through the cavity, it ionizes the inside gas and produces the electrons. These electrons consume RF power inside the cavity. Number of electrons produced per cm inside the cavity (at 950 psi Hydrogen gas) per incident proton is {approx} 1200. The measurement of beam position and profile are necessary. MTA is flammable gas (Hydrogen) hazard zone so we have developed a passive beam diagnostic instrument using Chromox-6 scintillation screen and CCD camera. This paper presents quantitative information about beam position and beam profile. Neutral density filter was used to avoid saturation of CCD camera. Image data is filtered and fitted with Gaussian function to compute the beam size. The beam profile obtained from scintillation screen shall be compared with multi-wire beam profile.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Status of Superconducting Magnet System for the J-PARC Neutrino Beam Line

The superconducting magnet system for the J-PARC neutrino beam line for the T2K experiment has been served for the beam operation without serious disturbance since April 2009. Present most concern of the system is the operational current limit of superconducting corrector magnets for beam steering due to systematic quenches at lower currents. Operational experience of the magnet system and examples of troubleshoot including countermeasures against the corrector magnet quenches are presented.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Present Status And First Results of the Final Focus Beam Line at the KEK Accelerator Test Facility

ATF2 is a final-focus test beam line which aims to focus the low emittance beam from the ATF damping ring to a vertical size of about 37 nm and to demonstrate nanometer level beam stability. Several advanced beam diagnostics and feedback tools are used. In December 2008, construction and installation were completed and beam commissioning started, supported by an international team of Asian, European, and U.S. scientists. The present status and first results are described.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

An after-market, five-port vertical beam line extension for the PETtrace

Most commercial cyclotrons intended for medical isotope production provide a limited number of beam ports crowded into a minimal vault space. Taking advantage of our new lab construction, we planned and installed a beam-line on port Music-Sharp-Sign 2 of our GEMS PETtrace to bring beam to an additional 5 target positions. These are oriented in the vertical plane, with the downward directed beam well suited for molten target substrates.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Energy Deposition, Radiological and Thermal Studies for Linac-to-Booster Transfer Line Beam Absorber

The PIP-II Linac-to-Booster transfer line will transport the beam from the end of the superconducting Linac to the Injection Girder of the Booster. The transfer line consists of two arcs and a straight section in between (see Fig. 1). The straight section splits into two separate lines: Beam Absorber and Mu2e experiment lines. In this paper, results of energy deposition studies for the Beam Absorber, performed with MARS15 Monte Carlo code for normal operation, are presented. Also, corresponding thermal analyses with ANSYS code are described. According to PIP-II design parameters, the beam energy as high as 1 GeV is considered. Two beam power options were studied: (i) 50 kW as a conservative estimate for a permanent absorber; (ii) 5 kW as an option for a portable absorber required for a commissioning stage.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Preliminary design of electrostatic sensors for MITICA beam line components

Megavolt ITER Injector and Concept Advancement, the full-scale prototype of ITER neutral beam injector, is under construction in Italy. The device will generate deuterium negative ions, then accelerated and neutralized. The emerging beam, after removal of residual ions, will be dumped onto a calorimeter. The presence of plasma and its parameters will be monitored in the components of the beam-line, by means of specific electrostatic probes. Double probes, with the possibility to be configured as Langmuir probes and provide local ion density and electron temperature measurements, will be employed in the neutralizer and in the residual ion dump. Biased electrodes collecting secondary emission electrons will be installed in the calorimeter with the aim to provide a horizontal profile of the beam.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

New beam line for time-of-flight medium energy ion scattering with large area position sensitive detector

A new beam line for medium energy ion mass scattering (MEIS) has been designed and set up at the Angstroem laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden. This MEIS system is based on a time-of-flight (ToF) concept and the electronics for beam chopping relies on a 4 MHz function generator. Repetition rates can be varied between 1 MHz and 63 kHz and pulse widths below 1 ns are typically obtained by including beam bunching. A 6-axis goniometer is used at the target station. Scattering angle and energy of backscattered ions are extracted from a time-resolved and position-sensitive detector. Examples of the performance are given for three kinds of probing ions, {sup 1}H{sup +}, {sup 4}He{sup +}, and {sup 11}B{sup +}. Depth resolution is in the nanometer range and 1 and 2 nm thick Pt layers can easily be resolved. Mass resolution between nearby isotopes can be obtained as illustrated by Ga isotopes in GaAs. Taking advantage of the large size detector, a direct imaging (blocking pattern) of crystal channels are shown for hexagonal, 4H-SiC. The ToF-MEIS system described in this paper is intended for use in semiconductor and thin film areas. For example, depth profiling in the sub nanometer range for device development of contacts and dielectric interfaces. In addition to applied projects, fundamental studies of stopping cross sections in this medium energy range will also be conducted.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

The performance of the MICE muon beam line

The Muon Ionization Cooling Experiment is one lattice cell of a cooling channel suitable for conditioning the muon beam at the front end of a Neutrino Factory or Muon Collider. The beam line designed to transport muons into MICE has been installed, and data was collected in 2010. In this paper the method of reconstructing longitudinal momentum and transverse trace space using two timing detectors is discussed, and a preliminary simulation of the performance of a measured beam in the cooling channel is presented.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Neutron capture cross section measurements at the beam line 04 of J-PARC/MLF

An Accurate Neutron-Nucleus Reaction measurement Instrument (ANNRI) at the beam line 04 of MLF (Material and Life Sciences Experimental Facilities) of J-PARC (Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex) was installed to measure neutron capture cross sections related to the research and development of innovative nuclear systems, the study on nuclear astrophysics, etc. ANNRI has two gamma-ray spectrometers: one is a Ge detector array placed at 22 m from the coupled type moderator of the spallation neutron source of J-PARC/MLF and the other is a pair of NaI(Tl) detectors at 28 m. Until the 11th of March, 2011, when we had big earthquakes, we measured capture cross sections of Zr-93, Tc-99, Pd-107, I-129, Cm-244, Cm-246, etc. After checking and repairing ANNRI, we restarted measurements, and ANNRI has been open to worldwide users at present.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Use of a wire scanner for monitoring residual gas ionization in Soreq Applied Research Accelerator Facility 20 keV/u proton/deuteron low energy beam transport beam line

The ion source end of the Soreq Applied Research Accelerator Facility accelerator consists of a proton/deuteron ECR ion source and a low energy beam transport (LEBT) beam line. An observed reduction of the radio frequency quadrupole transmission with increase of the LEBT current prompted additional study of the LEBT beam properties. Numerous measurements have been made with the LEBT bream profiler wire biased by a variable voltage. Current-voltage characteristics in presence of the proton beam were measured even when the wire was far out of the beam. The current-voltage characteristic in this case strongly resembles an asymmetric diodelike characteristic, which is typical of Langmuir probes monitoring plasma. The measurement of biased wire currents, outside the beam, enables us to estimate the effective charge density in vacuum.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

High collection efficiency X-ray spectrometer system with integrated electron beam stop, electron detector and X-ray detector for use on electron-optical beam lines and microscopes

An X-ray spectrometer systems and methods are provided for implementing signal detection for use on electron-optical beam lines and microscopes. The X-ray Spectrometer System (XSS) includes an X-ray detector (XD) measuring the X-ray signal and positioned proximate to a specimen. An environmental isolation window together with an electron beam stop is disposed between XD and the specimen. The environmental isolation window and the electron beam stop protect XD from electrons directly transmitted through the specimen. An electron detector is located between the electron beam stop and the specimen allowing the measurement of scattered electrons. The XD measures an X-ray signal in the X-ray spectrometer system.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗