Two Design Options for Compact Linear Accelerators for High Flux Neutron Source

We describe and compare two optimized design options of RF linear accelerators with different resonant frequencies at 162.5 MHz (f(0)) and 325 MHz (2 center dot f(0)). The RFQ + DTL linacs have been designed to provide 13 MeV acceleration to a proton beam for achieving a fast neutron yield of not lower than 10(13) n/s via Be-9(p, n)B-9 reaction in pulsed-mode operation. Our design studies show that none of the two options is better than the other, but that the choice of operating frequency will mainly be determined by the accelerator length and RF cost consideration. This study can serve as a basis for the design of an initial stage of a new high brilliance Compact Accelerator-driven Neutron Source (CANS), aiming to use neutron scattering techniques for studying material properties in fundamental physics, materials science, nuclear energy, as well as for industries and societal challenges.

Automated summary

This article describes and compares two optimized design options for RF linear accelerators with different resonant frequencies. The study shows that neither of the two options is superior, and the choice of operating frequency is mainly determined by the length of the accelerator and RF cost consideration. This research is important for the design of a new high brilliance Compact Accelerator-driven Neutron Source (CANS).