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At least 1,171 records · Page 65
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2013

Improvements of the boundary projection acceleration technique applied to the discrete-ordinates transport solver in XYZ geometries

In this paper we discuss the latest upgrades of the Boundary Projection Acceleration (BPA) applied to the XYZ transport solver of APOLLO3, namely IDT. The acceleration method is a well-known effective technique for the speed-up of the source iterations of the discrete-ordinates method. The BPA in IDT has been improved in three aspects: the taking into account of the residue on boundary conditions as a boundary source for the acceleration problem, the extension of the method to higher order angular moments in the case of anisotropic scattering and, finally, the application of the method to the multigroup iterations for the acceleration of the fission source and k-effective. The spectrum of the method has been Fourier-analyzed to explore the effectiveness. The 3D mock-up geometry of the ZPPR is presented as final study to test the performances of the acceleration on a realistic whole-core 3D calculation. (authors)

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Towards Agentic AI on Particle Accelerators

As particle accelerators grow in complexity, traditional control methods face increasing challenges in achieving optimal performance. This paper envisions a paradigm shift: a decentralized multi-agent framework for accelerator control, powered by Large Language Models (LLMs) and distributed among autonomous agents. We present a proposition of a self-improving decentralized system where intelligent agents handle high-level tasks and communication and each agent is specialized control individual accelerator components. This approach raises some questions: What are the future applications of AI in particle accelerators? How can we implement an autonomous complex system such as a particle accelerator where agents gradually improve through experience and human feedback? What are the implications of integrating a human-in-the-loop component for labeling operational data and providing expert guidance? We show two examples, where we demonstrate viability of such architecture.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

A compact low-level RF control system for advanced concept compact electron linear accelerator

A compact low-level RF (LLRF) control system based on RF system-on-chip (RFSoC) technology has been designed for the Advanced Concept Compact Electron Linear-accelerator (ACCEL) program, which has challenging requirements in both RF performance and size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP). The compact LLRF solution employs the direct RF sampling technique of RFSoC, which samples the RF signals directly without any analog upconversion and downconversion. Compared with the conventional heterodyne based architecture used for the LLRF system of a linear accelerator (LINAC), the elimination of analog mixers can significantly reduce the size and weight of the system, especially with LINAC requiring a larger number of RF channels. Based on the requirements of ACCEL, a prototype LLRF platform has been developed, and the control schemes have been proposed. The prototype LLRF system demonstrated magnitude and phase fluctuation levels below 1% and 1° on the flattop of a 2 μs RF pulse. The LLRF control schemes proposed for ACCEL are implemented with a prototype hardware platform. In conclusion, this paper will introduce the new compact LLRF solution and summarize a selection of experimental test results of the prototype itself and with the accelerating structure cavities designed for ACCEL.

Liu, C. [SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLA↗
DOE OSTI2025

Small scale electron linear accelerators for industrial applications

Linear accelerators (linacs), producing electron or X-ray radiation in the MeV range, are critical tools for industrial irradiation, medical device sterilization, food pasteurization, non-destructive testing, security, medical, and many other applications. Many of these applications require compact and flexible radiation sources. In this paper, we present new technologies for small-scale electron linear accelerators and examples of their practical implementations. Furthermore, these developments include low energy accelerators with self-shielding options and form factors, ranging from cabinet-size to hand-portable generators; medium-energy accelerators for novel radiotherapy and security applications; and high-energy 10 MeV linacs capable of reaching 20–35 kW beam power for emerging industrial and phytosanitary applications

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Development of an accelerator-based neutron source to prototype Mo-99 production, part I: A liquid LBE windowless target

In this article, Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99)’s decay product, technetium-99 (Tc-99 m), is one of the most critical isotopes for medical diagnostics. To provide U.S. domestic supply of Mo-99 without using high-enriched uranium (HEU), a subcritical uranium target assembly (UTA) is irradiated by an accelerator-based neutron source to create Mo-99 through fission. This study discusses the development of the accelerator-based neutron source. The high-energy electrons from the accelerator irradiate a liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) target to produce neutrons. Part I of this work focuses on numerical and experimental analysis towards the development of a liquid LBE windowless target. Unlike the existing windowless targets in literature, the current design creates a vertical free surface for a beam to irradiate. First, a hydrodynamic analysis of the LBE windowless target is performed. Simplified analytical calculations are assisted by 2D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to design the target, with the focus on eliminating recirculation zones and avoiding cavitation. With the optimized geometry, the experimental study is performed to investigate the flow hydrodynamics using liquid LBE. The experiments (1) compare pressure drop in the system to correlation predictions; (2) visualize the free surface liquid LBE flow from the beam view; (3) validate the LBE flow profile using temperature sensitive paint from the side view; and (4) validate the liquid LBE film thickness using gamma densitometer measurements. Second, the power handling capability of the designed windowless target is investigated. The divider plate in the current design is susceptible to overheating due to the thin LBE film in front. As LBE erosion and corrosion is likely to occur at an LBE velocity of 2.0 m/s and temperature above 500 °C, a power limit of 10 kW of beam power was established to prevent this corrosion from occurring, which is calculated by a Nusselt number correlation. The divider plate surface temperature at 10 kW agrees well with the 3D CFD simulation results. Part I demonstrates the fundamental physics in liquid LBE windowless target design and associated testing. A companion paper, Part II will demonstrate how to couple this windowless target into the Mo-99 production system, including an accelerator system operating under an ultra-high vacuum and the UTA cooled by water at room temperature.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2010

High Gradient Two-Beam Electron Accelerator

A high-gradient two-beam electron accelerator structure using detuned cavities is described. A self-consistent theory based on a circuit model is presented to calculate idealized acceleration gradient, transformer ratio, and efficiency for energy transfer from the drive beam to the accelerated beam. Experimental efforts are being carried out to demonstrate this acceleration concept.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2010

Prospects For and Progress Towards Laser-Driven Particle Therapy Accelerators

Recent advances in laser-ion acceleration have motivated research towards laser-driven compact accelerators for medical therapy. Realizing laser-ion acceleration for medical therapy will require adapting the medical requirements to the foreseeable laser constraints, as well as advances in laser-acceleration physics, beam manipulation and delivery, real-time dosimetry, treatment planning and translational research into a clinical setting.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2011

Dust Accelerators And Their Applications In High-Temperature Plasmas

The perennial presence of dust in high-temperature plasma and fusion devices has been firmly established. Dust inventory must be controlled, in particular in the next-generation steady-state fusion machines like ITER, as it can pose significant safety hazards and potentially interfere with fusion energy production. Although much effort has been devoted to getting rid of the dust nuisance, there are instances where a controlled use of dust can be beneficial. We have recognized a number of dust-accelerators applications in magnetic fusion, including in plasma diagnostics, in studying dust-plasma interactions, and more recently in edge localized mode (ELM)'s pacing. With the applications in mind, we will compare various acceleration methods, including electrostatic, gas-drag, and plasma-drag acceleration. We will also describe laboratory experiments and results on dust acceleration.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2011

A computational investigation of the impact of aberrated Gaussian laser pulses on electron beam properties in laser-wakefield acceleration experiments

Critical to the performance of any future accelerator based on the laser wakefield accelerator is the response of the system to perturbations from ideal. In this paper, we use particle-in-cell simulation using a modified version of the OSIRIS 2.0 framework to demonstrate that comatic optical aberrations in a nominally Gaussian laser pulse are self-corrected by the plasma response, leading to stable propagation and therefore little variation in peak energy, energy spread, or peak current of the accelerated bunch, even for serious aberrations. However, the comatic aberration does lead to enhanced transverse beam emittance in the direction of the coma. Although this may be deleterious to the performance of an accelerator, one useful outcome is that the increased oscillation amplitude of electrons in the wake structure may lead to increased synchrotron radiation emission, which would be partially polarized in the direction of coma.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2011

Study of beamlet deflection and its compensations in a MeV accelerator

In a five stage multi-aperture and multi-grid (MAMuG) accelerator in JAEA, beam acceleration tests are in progress toward 1 MeV, 200 A/m{sup 2} H{sup -} ion beams for ITER. The 1 MV voltage holding has been successfully demonstrated for 4,000 s with the accelerator of expanded gap length that lowered local electric field concentrations. This led to increase of the beam energy up to 900 keV-level. However, it was found that beamlets were deflected more in long gaps and direct interceptions of the deflected beamlet caused breakdowns. The beamlet deflection and its compensation methods were studied utilizing a three-dimensional multi beamlet analysis. The analysis showed that the 1 MeV beam can be compensated by a combination of the aperture offset of 0.8 mm applied in the electron suppression (ESG) and the metal bar called a field shaping plate with a thickness of 1 mm attached beneath the ESG. The paper reports these compensation methods and analytical predictions, with experimental results of the MAMuG accelerator in which those compensation techniques have been applied.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Resonance, particle dynamics, and particle transmission in the micro-accelerator platform

We describe particle dynamics in the Micro-Accelerator Platform (MAP), a slab-symmetric dielectric laser accelerator (DLA), and model the expected performance of recently fabricated MAP structures. The quality of the structure resonances has been characterized optically, and results are compared with simulation. 3D trajectory analysis is used to model acceleration in those same structures 'as built.' Results are applied to ongoing beam transmission and acceleration tests at NLCTA/E-163, in which transmission of 60 MeV injected electrons through the beam channel of the MAP was clearly observed, despite the overfilling of the structure by the beam.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Grating-based deflecting, focusing, and diagnostic dielectric laser accelerator structures

Recent technological advances has made possible the realization of the first laser-driven particle accelerator structure to be fabricated lithographically. However, a complete particle accelerator requires more than just accelerating elements. In this paper, we present a grating-based design for three other quintessential accelerator elements: the focusing structure, the deflecting structure, and the diagnostic structure.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Disk-loaded RF waveguide matching techniques applied to silicon woodpile accelerator

Silicon woodpile photonic crystal provides a three-dimensional dielectric waveguide system for high-gradient laser driven acceleration. The woodpile waveguide is periodically loaded in the longitudinal direction; therefore simple cross-sectional mode profile matching is not sufficient to launch the accelerating mode appropriately and will result in significant scattering loss. Hinted by the common nature of longitudinal periodicity between disk-loaded waveguide and woodpile waveguide, several coupler design schemes developed for multi-cell RF cavity are implemented in the woodpile accelerator design. Among them there are the travelling-wave match method based on S-matrix, the periodic VSWR method, and the TE-to-TM coupling iris design. This paper presents design procedures and simulation results using these methods. According to simulations, nearly 100% power transmission between SOI and woodpile waveguides with a travelling-wave match is achieved with a specially designed mode-launching coupler. Constructed by silicon rods extruding into the defect waveguide, the coupling iris provides necessary transition from TE mode to TM accelerating mode, also with negligible coupling loss.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Effect of plasma inhomogeneity on plasma wakefield acceleration driven by long bunches

Effects of plasma inhomogeneity on self-modulating proton bunches and accelerated electrons were studied numerically. The main effect is the change of the wakefield wavelength which results in phase shifts and loss of accelerated particles. This effect imposes severe constraints on density uniformity in plasma wakefield accelerators driven by long particle bunches. The transverse two stream instability that transforms the long bunch into a train of micro-bunches is less sensitive to density inhomogeneity than are the accelerated particles. The bunch freely passes through increased density regions and interacts with reduced density regions.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Laser-ion accelerators: State-of-the-art and scaling laws

A significant amount of experimental work has been devoted over the last decade to the development and optimization of proton acceleration based on the so-called Target Normal Sheath acceleration mechanism. Several studies have been dedicated to the determination of scaling laws for the maximum energy of the protons as a function of the parameters of the irradiating pulses, studies based on experimental results and on models of the acceleration process. We briefly summarize the state of the art in this area, and review some of the scaling studies presented in the literature. We also discuss some recent results, and projected scalings, related to a different acceleration mechanism for ions, based on the Radiation Pressure of an ultraintense laser pulse.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Observation of multipactor suppression in a dielectric-loaded accelerating structure using an applied axial magnetic field

Efforts by a number of institutions to develop a Dielectric-Loaded Accelerating (DLA) structure capable of supporting high gradient acceleration when driven by an external radio frequency source have been ongoing over the past decade. Single surface resonant multipactor has been previously identified as one of the major limitations on the practical application of DLA structures in electron accelerators. In this paper, we report the results of an experiment that demonstrated suppression of multipactor growth in an X-band DLA structure through the use of an applied axial magnetic field. This represents an advance toward the practical use of DLA structures in many accelerator applications.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Direct acceleration of electrons by a circular polarized laser pulse with phase modulation

Electron acceleration by transversely echelon phase-modulated (EPM) circularly polarized (CP) intense laser pulse is investigated. Solution of the relativistic electron equations of motion shows that the CP EPM light wave structure can disrupt the harmonic response of a trapped electron not only in the transverse direction but also in the direction of laser propagation. In each laser cycle, there can be a net gain in the electron's transverse momentum, which is promptly converted into the forward direction by the Lorentz force. As a result, the electron can be trapped and accelerated in the favorable phase of the laser for a rather long time. Its momentum gain then accumulates and can eventually reach high levels. It is also found that with the CP EPM laser, the net acceleration of the electron is not sensitive to its initial position and velocity relative to the phase of the laser fields, so that such a laser can also be useful for accelerating thermal electron bunches to high energies.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Cryogenic supply for accelerators and experiments at FAIR

In the coming years the new international accelerator facility FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research), one of the largest research projects worldwide, will be built at GSI. In the final construction FAIR consists of synchrotrons and storage rings with up to 1,100 meters in circumference, two linear accelerators and about 3.5 kilometers beam transfer lines. The existing GSI accelerators serve as pre-accelerators. Partly the new machines will consist of superconducting magnets and therefore require a reliable supply with liquid helium. As the requirements for the magnets is depending on the machine and have a high variety, the cooling system is different for each machine; two phase cooling, forced flow cooling and bath cooling respectively. In addition the cold mass of the individual magnets varies between less than 1t up to 80t and some magnets will cause a dynamic heat load due to ramping that is higher than the static loads. The full cryogenic system will be operated above atmospheric pressure. The refrigeration and liquefaction power will be provided by two main cryogenic plants of 8 and 25 kW at 4K and two smaller plants next to the experiments.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗