Abstract: A proton linear accelerator system that irradiates tissue with improved beam energy control, providing RF energy from a first RF energy source during on-time of the proton beam operating cycle for changing the energy of the proton beam, and providing RF energy from a second distinct RF energy source during off-time of the proton beam operating cycle for increasing or maintaining the temperature of the cavity. Each RF source is operated independently, allowing higher RF pulse rates to reach the cavity, supporting a smaller time between proton beam energy pulses. In addition, the peak power requirements for the second RF energy source may, in general, be less than for the second RF energy source, allowing a less costly type to be used for the second source. The use of a first and second RF source may reduce the cavity settling time from minutes to less than 10 seconds.

Abstract: A linear accelerator system comprising a source arranged to produce a pulsed beam of charged particles, a linear accelerator string arranged to accelerate the pulsed beam up to a predetermined range of energies, and a pre-acceleration stage interposed between the source and the linear accelerator string and arranged to accelerate the pulsed beam up to an energy suitable for beam insertion into the linear accelerator string and perform bunching of the pulsed beam. An average current detector is arranged to measure an average current in the pulsed beam, the average current detector comprising at least one non-interceptive sensor placed at an input side of the linear accelerator string, downstream of the pre-acceleration stage, the sensor being responsive to the pulsed beam passing thereby.

Abstract: Proton beams are a promising alternative to X-rays for therapeutic purposes because they may also destroy cancer cells, but with a greatly reduced damage to healthy tissue. The energy dose in tissue may be concentrated at the tumor site by configuring the beam to position the Bragg Peak proximate the tumor. The longitudinal range of a proton beam in tissue is generally dependent upon the energy of the beam. However, after switching energies, the proton-beam system requires some time for the beam energy to stabilize before it may be used for therapy. A proton linear accelerator system is provided for irradiating tissue with an improved beam energy control, configured to provide RF energy from a first RF energy source during the on-time of the proton beam operating cycle for changing the energy of the proton beam, and to provide RF energy from a second distinct RF energy source during the off-time of the proton beam operating cycle for increasing or maintaining the temperature of the cavity.

Abstract: A linear accelerator system comprising a source arranged to produce a pulsed beam of charged particles, a linear accelerator string arranged to accelerate the pulsed beam up to a predetermined range of energies, and a pre-acceleration stage interposed between the source and the linear accelerator string and arranged to accelerate the pulsed beam up to an energy suitable for beam insertion into the linear accelerator string and perform bunching of the pulsed beam. An average current detector is arranged to measure an average current in the pulsed beam, the average current detector comprising at least one non-interceptive sensor placed at an input side of the linear accelerator string, downstream of the pre-acceleration stage, the sensor being responsive to the pulsed beam passing thereby.

Abstract: One of the obstacles to the widespread use of proton therapy is the availability of affordable and compact proton sources and accelerators. The use of linear accelerators allow the construction of such a compact source which may be installed in existing medical facilities. However, instability occurs after accelerating units are turned on or off. A proton linear accelerator system configured to provide RF energy during the off-time of the proton beam operating cycle may be used for increasing or maintaining the temperature of cavities. A method of operating a proton beam is also provided which is suitable for irradiating tissue. These may provide an improved settling time.

Abstract: Proton beams are a promising alternative to X-rays for therapeutic purposes because they may also destroy cancer cells, but with a greatly reduced damage to healthy tissue. The energy dose in tissue may be concentrated at the tumor site by configuring the beam to position the Bragg Peak proximate the tumor. The longitudinal range of a proton beam in tissue is generally dependent upon the energy of the beam. However, after switching energies, the proton-beam system requires some time for the beam energy to stabilize before it may be used for therapy. A proton linear accelerator system is provided for irradiating tissue with an improved beam energy control, configured to provide RF energy from a first RF energy source during the on-time of the proton beam operating cycle for changing the energy of the proton beam, and to provide RF energy from a second distinct RF energy source during the off-time of the proton beam operating cycle for increasing or maintaining the temperature of the cavity.

Abstract: A time-of-fight measurement system for measuring energy of a pulsed hadron beam, wherein each pulse of the beam is structured into a series of bunches of charged particles, said bunches being repeated according to a repetition rate of the order of magnitude of radiofrequency.

Abstract: A linear accelerator system comprising a source arranged to produce a pulsed beam of charged particles, a linear accelerator string arranged to accelerate the pulsed beam up to a predetermined range of energies, and a pre-acceleration stage interposed between the source and the linear accelerator string and arranged to accelerate the pulsed beam up to an energy suitable for beam insertion into the linear accelerator string and perform bunching of the pulsed beam. An average current detector is arranged to measure an average current in the pulsed beam, the average current detector comprising at least one non-interceptive sensor placed at an input side of the linear accelerator string, downstream of the pre-acceleration stage, the sensor being responsive to the pulsed beam passing thereby.

Abstract: A linear proton accelerator includes a plurality of accelerator components arranged after one another, and a proton source and a plurality of accelerating units. The accelerator further includes a reticular support structure for supporting the accelerator components. The support structure is shaped as a prism with a polygonal cross-section, and has a plurality of side faces joining opposite ends of the prism. The support structure is arranged concentrically with respect to the accelerator components.

Abstract: A linear proton accelerator includes a plurality of accelerator components arranged after one another, and a proton source and a plurality of accelerating units. The accelerator further includes a reticular support structure for supporting the accelerator components. The support structure is shaped as a prism with a polygonal cross-section, and has a plurality of side faces joining opposite ends of the prism. The support structure is arranged concentrically with respect to the accelerator components.