Abstract: A method of irradiating a target with a high power density irradiation beam is described. The method can use an irradiation system configured to output an irradiation beam through a vacuum window. The irradiation beam is scanned repetitively back and forth between two angular orientations of the irradiation beam as the irradiation beam strikes and traverses the vacuum window. The target is moved as the irradiation beam is scanned. The irradiation beam and the target are aligned. The scanning of the irradiations beam and the moving of the target are synchronized to each other. The scanning of the irradiation beam prevents localized overheating of the vacuum window and allows the irradiation beam to have a power density that would damage the vacuum window if the irradiation beam were not scanned.

Abstract: A system and method for irradiating a product in order to obtain an irradiated product that has a suitable irradiation dose uniformity ratio and is less expensive and faster than existing systems. The system includes a controller that varies the speed at which a product to be irradiated is moved across a radiation beam. The speed is varied in accordance with a speed function that can be a quadratic function of the distance between a position at which the surface of the product is irradiated and a reference position.

Abstract: An electron beam from an accelerator is injected into a vacuum chamber and bent approximately 90 degrees by an electromagnet, which can be translated along the vacuum chamber and along the propagation direction of the electron beam. Under the influence of the electromagnet, electrons exit the scan chamber through a thin metal vacuum barrier and are directed toward the product to be irradiated. There can be an x-ray converter located between the electron beam and the product. As the electromagnet moves along the scan chamber and along the direction of the electron beam, the bending angle of the electron beam can be adjusted as a function of the position of the electromagnet with respect to the product.

Abstract: A method of effecting a chemical, physical or transmutational change in a target material using a high power particle beam concentrated on the target material. The particle beam is scanned in a controlled manner to reduce its power density and to avoid damage to equipment which is unable to tolerate high power densities. Movement between the target and the scanned beam is synchronized to cause the scanned beam to persistently or continuously strike the target to effect the chemical, physical or transmutational change, thereby concentrating the beam on the target.

Abstract: A multiple beam linear accelerator system and method where two or more accelerator waveguides are driven by a single high power microwave source. A single RF power system is multiplexed to drive the plurality of accelerator waveguides. Each accelerator waveguide is addressed at a different RF frequency, and the microwave source generates pulses at the appropriate RF frequency for each accelerator waveguide on a pulse-by-pulse basis.