Analysis of a Cyclotron Based 400 MeV/u Driver System for a Radioactive Beam Facility

Abstract

The creation of intense radioactive beams requires intense and energetic primary beams. A task force analysis of this subject recommended an acceleration system capable of 400 MeV/u uranium at 1 particle uA as an appropriate driver for such a facility. The driver system should be capable of accelerating lighter ions at higher intensity such that a constant final beam power (~100kW) is maintained. This document is a more detailed follow on to the previous analysis of such a system incorporating a cyclotron. The proposed driver pre-acceleration system consists of an ion source, radio frequency quadrupole, and linac chain capable of producing a final energy of 30 MeV/u and a charge (Q) to mass (A) of Q/A ~1/3. This acceleration system would be followed by a Separated Sector Cyclotron with a final output energy of 400 MeV/u. This system provides a more cost-effective solution in terms of initial capital investment as well as of operation compared to a fully linac system with the same primary beam output parameters.