Abstract: A method for evaluating radiation model data in particle beam radiation applications, in particular in proton beam therapy of a determined target volume of malignant tissue within a patient, includes the following steps: a) gaining diagnostic data for a determined target volume to be irradiated; b) calculating a particle range in the predetermined target volume based on the diagnostic data for the determined target volume; c) designing a radiation model with particle beam characteristics based on the calculated particle range and optionally on a calculated dose depth distribution; d) applying a single pencil beam shot to the determined target volume at an elevated beam energy as compared to the particle beam characteristics of the radiation model; e) measuring the beam range of the single pencil beam shot downstream of the determined target volume; and f) comparing the measured beam range to a reference beam range calculated on the basis of the radiation model.

Abstract: Superconducting rf is limited by a wide range of failure mechanisms inherent in the typical manufacture methods. This invention provides a method for fabricating superconducting rf structures comprising coating the structures with single atomic-layer thick films of alternating chemical composition. Also provided is a cavity defining the invented laminate structure.

Abstract: An H-mode drift tube linac according to the present invention includes: an accelerator cavity which functions as a vacuum chamber and a resonator; drift tube electrodes for generating accelerating voltages in a charged particle transporting direction in the accelerator cavity; tuners for adjusting a distribution of electric fields generated at gaps between respective pairs of the drift tube electrodes; and antennas for measuring a variation of the distribution of the electric fields, the antennas being provided along the charged particle transporting direction in the accelerator cavity.

Abstract: A method and system is proposed for providing automated, electronic testing of a linear accelerator from a remote position. According to one aspect of the claimed subject matter, a system is described which includes a linear accelerator with a scope circuit board, a multiplexer printed circuit board and a computing device. The multiplexer printed circuit board is coupled to the linear accelerator at a plurality of signal sites or locations corresponding to common areas of interest. Signal data received by the multiplexer circuit board may be continuously streamed from the linear accelerator to the multiplexer through each “channel” of data. The multiplexer circuit board is configured to receive, as input, the data corresponding to the electrical activity. In a further embodiment, the multiplexer outputs a selection of signals corresponding to a user selection of one or more channels from a remote terminal.

Abstract: A method and isotope linac system are provided for producing radio-isotopes and for recovering isotopes. The isotope linac is an energy recovery linac (ERL) with an electron beam being transmitted through an isotope-producing target. The electron beam energy is recollected and re-injected into an accelerating structure. The ERL provides improved efficiency with reduced power requirements and provides improved thermal management of an isotope target and an electron-to-x-ray converter.

Abstract: The ion acceleration system or complex (T) for medical and/or other applications is composed in essence by an ion source (1), a pre-accelerator (3) and one or more linear accelerators or linacs (6, 8, 10, 13), at least one of which is mounted on a rotating mechanical gantry-like structure (17). The isocentrical gantry (17) is equipped with a beam delivery system, which can be either ‘active’ or ‘passive’, for medical and/or other applications. The ion source (1) and the pre-accelerator (3) can be either installed on the floor, which is connected with the gantry basement, or mounted, fully or partially, on the rotating mechanical structure (17). The output beam can vary in energy and intensity pulse-by-pulse by adjusting the radio-frequency field in the accelerating modules of the linac(s) and the beam parameters at the input of the linear accelerators.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to reduce the effect of the hysteresis of a scanning electromagnet so as to obtain a particle beam therapy system that realizes high-accuracy beam irradiation. There are included an irradiation management apparatus (32) that controls the scanning electromagnet (3), based on target irradiation position coordinates (Pi) of a charged particle beam (1b), and a position monitor (7) that measures measurement position coordinates (Ps) of the charged particle beam (1b).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for interleaving operation of a standing wave linear accelerator (LINAC) for use in providing electrons of at least two different energy ranges, which can be contacted with x-ray targets to generate x-rays of at least two different energy ranges. The LINAC can be operated to output electrons at different energies by varying the power of the electromagnetic wave input to the LINAC, or by using a detunable side cavity which includes an activatable window.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave having a phase velocity and an amplitude is provided by an electromagnetic wave source to a traveling wave linear accelerator. The traveling wave linear accelerator generates a first output of electrons having a first energy by accelerating an electron beam using the electromagnetic wave. The first output of electrons can be contacted with a target to provide a first beam of x-rays. The electromagnetic wave can be modified by adjusting its amplitude and the phase velocity. The traveling wave linear accelerator then generates a second output of electrons having a second energy by accelerating an electron beam using the modified electromagnetic wave. The second output of electrons can be contacted with a target to provide a second beam of x-rays. A frequency controller can monitor the phase shift of the electromagnetic wave from the input to the output ends of the accelerator and can correct the phase shift of the electromagnetic wave based on the measured phase shift.

Abstract: A drift-tube linear accelerator that passes an injected particle beam through inside a plurality of cylindrical drift-tube electrodes arranged in a cylindrical cavity in a particle beam traveling direction and accelerates the particle beam by a radio-frequency electric field generated between the plurality of cylindrical drift-tube electrodes, wherein at least part of a focusing device for focusing the particle beam is disposed inside an end drift-tube electrode that is arranged nearest the injection side of the cylindrical cavity among the plurality of cylindrical drift-tube electrodes, with the focusing device being positionally adjustable independently of the end drift-tube electrode.

Abstract: The invention comprises a radio-frequency accelerator method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. An RF synthesizer provides a low voltage RF signal, that is synchronized to the period of circulation of protons in the proton beam path, to a set of integrated microcircuits, loops, and coils where the coils circumferentially enclose the proton beam path in a synchrotron. The integrated components combine to provide an accelerating voltage to the protons in the proton beam path in a size compressed and price reduced format. The integrated RF-amplifier microcircuit/accelerating coil system is operable from about 1 MHz, for a low energy proton beam, to about 15 MHz, for a high energy proton beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an irradiation unit for emitting a particle beam, a gantry including the irradiation unit, a squirrel cage structure located within and supported by the gantry, a frame arranged so as to be motionless, a moving floor including a plurality of elongated members forming a primary caterpillar, two moving floor guide units having a truncated circle shape, facing each other, attached to said squirrel cage structure and the motionless frame, respectively. Each of the two moving floor guide units includes at least a first rail, said the primary caterpillar being slidably arranged on the first rail. Each moving floor guide unit includes at least a second rail having a truncated circle shape and the moving floor includes at least one secondary caterpillar including elongated members flexibly connected to each other.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave having a phase velocity and an amplitude is provided by an electromagnetic wave source to a traveling wave linear accelerator. The traveling wave linear accelerator generates a first output of electrons having a first energy by accelerating an electron beam using the electromagnetic wave. The first output of electrons can be contacted with a target to provide a first beam of x-rays. The electromagnetic wave can be modified by adjusting its amplitude and the phase velocity. The traveling wave linear accelerator then generates a second output of electrons having a second energy by accelerating an electron beam using the modified electromagnetic wave. The second output of electrons can be contacted with a target to provide a second beam of x-rays. A frequency controller can monitor the phase shift of the electromagnetic wave from the input to the output ends of the accelerator and can correct the phase shift of the electromagnetic wave based on the measured phase shift.

Abstract: A particle accelerator system for producing a charged particle beam having pulses of charged particles that have different energy levels from pulse to pulse. The system enables independent adjustment of the RF power delivered to first and second accelerating sections thereof without adjustment of the RF power generated by an RF source. Such independent adjustment enables the RF power provided to the first accelerating section to be maintained at a level appropriate for optimal particle capturing therein and for producing a tightly bunched beam of particles having different energy levels from pulse to pulse, while enabling the RF power provided to the second accelerating section to be varied in order to vary the energy levels of the charged particles of the charged particle beam from pulse to pulse.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for fast-switching operating of a standing wave linear accelerator (LINAC) for use in generating x-rays of at least two different energy ranges with advantageously low heating of electronic switches. In certain embodiments, the heating of electronic switches during a fast-switching operation of the LINAC can be kept advantageously low through the controlled, timed activation of multiple electronic switches located in respective side cavities of the standing wave LINAC, or through the use of a modified a side cavity that includes an electronic switch.

Abstract: A rapidly twisted electromagnetic accelerating structure includes a waveguide body having a central axis, one or more helical channels defined by the body and disposed around a substantially linear central axial channel, with central portions of the helical channels merging with the linear central axial channel. The structure propagates electromagnetic waves in the helical channels which support particle beam acceleration in the central axial channel at a phase velocity equal to or slower than the speed of light in free space. Since there is no variation in the shape of the transversal cross-section along the axis of the structure, inexpensive mechanical fabrication processes can be used to form the structure, such as extrusion, casting or injection molding. Also, because the field and frequency of the resonant mode depend on the whole structure rather than on dimensional tolerances of individual cells, no tuning of individual cells is needed.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating power in an accelerator system includes a directional coupler for sensing a power reflected from an accelerator towards a power source, and a power modulator for reducing an output of the power source based on the sensed power. A method for regulating power in an accelerator system includes sensing a power reflected from an accelerator towards a power source, and reducing an output of the power source based on the sensed power.

Abstract: A two-beam accelerator device including a drive beam source and an accelerated beam source for providing a drive beam and accelerated beam, a detuned resonant cavity disposed in the path of the drive beam and the accelerated beam, and a two-beam focusing device and method of use thereof. The detuned resonant cavity may be rectangular, square, axisymmetrical, and/or cylindrical. The focusing device may include a modified quadrupole magnet having four magnets, a central opening, a channel in the central opening, an opening in one of the four magnets, the opening having a non-magnetic channel lined with a magnetic material.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for interleaving operation of a linear accelerator that use a magnetron as the source of electromagnetic waves for use in accelerating electrons to at least two different ranges of energies. The accelerated electrons can be used to generate x-rays of at least two different energy ranges. In certain embodiments, the accelerated electrons can be used to generate x-rays of at least two different energy ranges. The systems and methods are applicable to traveling wave linear accelerators.

Abstract: A method for pulsed operation of a linear accelerator includes generating pulses of charged particles. The generating includes emitting particles by a particle source and accelerating the particles in an accelerator device that includes a plurality of linked cavity resonators. The accelerator device is supplied with energy by an energy supply unit. Particle energy is changed solely by varying a number of particles emitted by the particle source per pulse.

Abstract: A method of accelerating charged particles using a laser pulse fired through a plasma channel contained in a capillary, wherein the plasma waveguide has deviations along its length that cause deviations in the plasma density contained therein, the deviations in plasma density acting to promote charged particle injection into a wake of a passing laser pulse. A radiation source based on a laser-driven plasma accelerator in a plasma waveguide in which the plasma waveguide and/or laser injection process is/are controlled so as to produce an undulating path for the laser pulse through the waveguide, the undulation exerting a periodic transverse force on charged particles being accelerated in the wake of the laser pulse, the resulting charged particle motion causing controlled emission of high frequency radiation pulses.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for interleaving operation of a standing wave linear accelerator (LINAC) for use in providing electrons of at least two different energy ranges, which can be contacted with x-ray targets to generate x-rays of at least two different energy ranges. The LINAC can be operated to output electrons at different energies by varying the power of the electromagnetic wave input to the LINAC, or by using a detunable side cavity which includes an activatable window.

Abstract: An accelerator for accelerating charged particles includes at least two RF resonators which are arranged successively in a beam propagation direction and configured to accelerate a pulse train comprising a plurality of particle bunches, each RF resonator generating an RF field, and a control apparatus for actuating the RF resonators, wherein the control apparatus is configured to set the RF fields generated by the RF resonators independently of one another during the acceleration of the pulse train, such that the plurality of particle bunches of the pulse train experience different accelerations during the acceleration of the pulse train.

Abstract: The present invention provides a linear accelerator in which a rotatable conductive vane is employed to vary the electromagnetic coupling between adjacent accelerating cells. The vane is sealed off from the rest of the linear accelerator by an insulating partition, so the pressure around the vane can be higher than in the rest of the accelerator. This greatly simplifies the mechanisms which may be used to control the rotation of the vane, allowing a higher bakeout temperature in manufacture and a higher rate of rotation in use.

Abstract: A photoelectron linear accelerator for producing a low emittance polarized electron beam. The linear accelerator includes a tube having a cylindrical wall, said wall being perforated to allow gas to flow to a pressure chamber containing ultra high vacuum pumps located outside the accelerator. The RF accelerator cavity comprises of two concentric cylindrical regions having different outside diameters and different lengths.

Abstract: An RF cavity includes a chamber, a conductive wall that encloses the chamber and has an inner side and an outer side, a switch arrangement comprising a plurality of solid-state switches arranged along a circumference of the wall around the chamber, wherein the solid-state switches are connected to the conductive wall such that RF currents are induced in the conductive wall when the switch arrangement is activated, as a result of which RF power is coupled into the chamber of the RF cavity, and a shielding device located on the outer side of the conductive wall, along a circumference of the RF cavity, the shielding device configured to increase the impedance of a propagation path of RF currents along the outer side of the wall such that the RF currents coupled into the wall are suppressed on the outer side of the wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electron gun comprising a cathode, for generating electrons; an anode; an intermediate electrode, located between the cathode and the anode; and a controller. The controller applies an electrical potential to said intermediate electrode, analysing a resultant electrical parameter to determine the integrity of said intermediate electrode; and controls the electron gun to emit a pulse of electrons.

Abstract: A klystron has a hollow beam electron gun that has a circular planar electron emitting surface. A hollow electron beam is directed from the electron gun through a plurality of drift tubes, resonant chambers and magnetic fields to a collector. The hollow electron beam does not experience significant radial movement and can operate at a lower beam voltage which reduces the required length of the RF interaction circuit and lowers the risks of RF arcing.

Abstract: A microwave device for accelerating electrons includes an electron gun providing an electron beam along an axis in a microwave structure for accelerating the electrons of the beam, an input for the electron beam, an output for accelerated electrons, and a series of coupled cavities along said axis, of central resonant frequency, an input for a microwave signal for excitation of the microwave structure by one of the cavities, a radiofrequency generator providing the excitation microwave signal to the acceleration microwave structure, and a central unit controlling the variation of energy of the electrons at the output of the microwave structure. The radiofrequency generator comprises a frequency control input for changing the frequency of the excitation microwave signal around the central resonant frequency, the change producing a variation of the energy of the accelerated electrons of the beam at the output of the microwave structure.

Abstract: A particle accelerator (100) comprises a power supply arrangement (110), a plurality of solid-state switched drive sections (120), a plurality of magnetic core sections (130) and a switch control module (140). The drive sections (120) are connected to the power supply arrangement (110) for receiving electrical power therefrom, and each drive section comprises a solid-state switch, electronically controllable at turn-on and turn-off, for selectively providing a drive pulse at an output of the drive section. The magnetic core sections (130) are symmetrically arranged along a central beam axis, and each magnetic core of the sections is coupled to a respective drive section (120) through an electrical winding connected to the output of the drive section.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave having a phase velocity and an amplitude is provided by an electromagnetic wave source to a traveling wave linear accelerator. The traveling wave linear accelerator generates a first output of electrons having a first energy by accelerating an electron beam using the electromagnetic wave. The first output of electrons can be contacted with a target to provide a first beam of x-rays. The electromagnetic wave can be modified by adjusting its amplitude and the phase velocity. The traveling wave linear accelerator then generates a second output of electrons having a second energy by accelerating an electron beam using the modified electromagnetic wave. The second output of electrons can be contacted with a target to provide a second beam of x-rays. A frequency controller can monitor the phase shift of the electromagnetic wave from the input to the output ends of the accelerator and can correct the phase shift of the electromagnetic wave based on the measured phase shift.

Abstract: A pair of cavities defined within a hollow elongate accelerator body include a first resonant cavity having a first resonant slot through an outer wall thereof, and a second resonant cavity having a second resonant slot through an outer wall thereof. The first resonant slot and the second resonant slot are separated by a void region that extends between the outer wall of the first cavity and the outer wall of the second cavity and is bounded in part by an inner surface of the hollow elongate member. The first and second cavities are coupled to each other through a dual slot coupling structure that includes the first resonant slot, the void region, and the second resonant slot.

Abstract: The present invention is a system to improve fuel economy of a vehicle with an internal combustion engine or an electric engine. The system includes a base, a primary energy absorption mechanism to attract and store energy contained in a quantum vacuum and a plurality of fasteners that are utilized to removably secure the system to the vehicle hood or the electrical engine. The system also includes a pair of hybrid ceramic magnets that are disposed within the primary energy absorption mechanism, a pair of metal plates and a linear particle accelerator that has variable field strength and is positioned within the primary energy absorption mechanism that includes a signal transmitter.

Abstract: Methods and devices enable shaping of a charged particle beam. A modified dielectric wall accelerator includes a high gradient lens section and a main section. The high gradient lens section can be dynamically adjusted to establish the desired electric fields to minimize undesirable transverse defocusing fields at the entrance to the dielectric wall accelerator. Once a baseline setting with desirable output beam characteristic is established, the output beam can be dynamically modified to vary the output beam characteristics. The output beam can be modified by slightly adjusting the electric fields established across different sections of the modified dielectric wall accelerator. Additional control over the shape of the output beam can be excreted by introducing intentional timing de-synchronization offsets and producing an injected beam that is not fully matched to the entrance of the modified dielectric accelerator.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for fast-switching operating of a standing wave linear accelerator (LINAC) for use in generating x-rays of at least two different energy ranges with advantageously low heating of electronic switches. In certain embodiments, the heating of electronic switches during a fast-switching operation of the LINAC can be kept advantageously low through the controlled, timed activation of multiple electronic switches located in respective side cavities of the standing wave LINAC, or through the use of a modified a side cavity that includes an electronic switch.

Abstract: A blumlein assembly incorporating a solid-state switch is presented. In the exemplary embodiment, a semiconductor switch is placed between first and second conducting strips, with dielectric material filling in the space between the strips on either side of the switch. A third conductive strip, parallel to the other two strips, is separated from the middle one of the strips by another dielectric layer. Rather than having the switch attach directly to the dielectric material on either side, a holder or carrier structure is used, which may be formed of several pieces or of a monolithic structure. The holder is formed of a material whose dielectric constant is closer to that of the switch than the dielectric material on either side, but whose boundary with the dielectric on either side has at least a portion that extends in a non-orthogonal direction with respect to the conducting strips. The arrangement allows the structure to withstand higher electric field levels without breakdown.

Abstract: Man-portable radiation generation sources and systems that may be carried by hand to a site of interest by one or two people, are disclosed. Methods of use of such sources and systems are also disclosed. Battery operated radiation generation sources, air cooled radiation generation sources, and charged particle accelerators, are also disclosed. A radiation generation source, a radiation scanning system, and a target assembly comprising target material having a thickness of less than 0.20 mm are also disclosed.

Abstract: Sub-nanosecond single ion beam pulses are generated by means of one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, an ion source provides ions to a radio frequency quadrupole linear accelerator comprising electrodes. A power source is used to apply radio frequency alternating currents to the electrodes. A device is used to inject ions from the ion source to the accelerator, causing the accelerator to provide only a single sub-nanosecond output beam pulse at a time.

Abstract: Multi-energy radiation sources comprising charged particle accelerators driven by power generators providing different RF powers to the accelerator, capable of interlaced operation, are disclosed. Automatic frequency control techniques are provided to match the frequency of RF power provided to the accelerator with the accelerator resonance frequency. In one example where the power generator is a mechanically tunable magnetron, an automatic frequency controller is provided to match the frequency of RF power pulses at one power to the accelerator resonance frequency when those RF power pulses are provided, and the magnetron is operated such that frequency shift in the magnetron at the other power at least partially matches the resonance frequency shift in the accelerator when those RF power pulses are provided. In other examples, when the power generator is a klystron or electrically tunable magnetron, separate automatic frequency controllers are provided for each RF power pulse.

Abstract: This invention relates to continuous standing-wave linear electron accelerator (9) comprising a low-energy electron source (10), for example, within a range of 10-20 keV, an accelerating structure (1 or 1?) for accelerating low initial energy electrons to required values; at least, one high-frequency power supply (11) for the said accelerating structure (1 or 1?); a power supply (13) for said electron source (10) and high-frequency power supply (11); a receiving antenna (14), which is arranged in accelerating unit of accelerating structure (1 or 1?) and is used for emitting of high-frequency signal for controlling the amplitude and phase of accelerating field. Low-energy electron beam is directed to the first unit of accelerating structure (1 or 1?) contained successively accelerating units (2, 3, 4i). The first of them is embodied in the form of a bunch resonator (2), the second unit is embodied in the form of a buster resonator (3), and successive units (4i) are used for increasing the electron energy.

Abstract: Methods are described wherein the signals from various sensors that monitor parameters such as beam position, beam intensity at each turn, number of turns, extracted current, extracted beam profile in space and energy are used to determine the effect of the variation of different parameters that control the operation of an accelerator. The diagnostic measurements and adjustments may be based upon measuring and evaluating parameters as a function of turn, and are part of an automated feedback loop for achieving the proper automated operation. The methods can be used to establish proper operating values for the accelerator parameters for optimum beam operation. By the use of feedback the operation of the accelerator can be automatically controlled in real time.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments, a linear accelerator comprises a nanotube, a particle, and an energy source. The nanotube has a cylindrical shape, and the particle is disposed within the nanotube. The energy source is configured to apply energy to the nanotube to cause the particle to accelerate.

Abstract: Methods and devices enable coupling of a charged particle beam to a radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ). Coupling of the charged particle beam is accomplished, at least in-part, by relying on sensitivity of the RFQ to energies of the incoming charged particle beam. A portion of a charged particle beam, which has an initial energy outside a range of RFQ's acceptance energy values, is subjected to a field that modifies its energy to fall within the range of RFQ's acceptance energy values. Once the field is removed, the charged particle beam returns to the initial energy that is outside of the RFQ' range of acceptance energy values. In another configuration, a portion of a charged particle beam, which has an initial energy within the range of RFQ's acceptance energy values, is subjected to a field that modifies its energy to fall outside the range of acceptance energy values of the RFQ.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for operating a traveling wave linear accelerator to generate stable electron beams at two or more different intensities by varying the number of electrons injected into the accelerator structure during each pulse by varying the width of the beam pulse, i.e., pulse width.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for operating a traveling wave linear accelerator to generate stable electron beams at two or more different intensities by varying the number of electrons injected into the accelerator structure during each pulse by varying the electron beam current applied to an electron gun.

Abstract: Low-injection energy electrons are accelerated in a continuous standing wave linear accelerator. Electron flow is supplied directly from a low-energy electron source to subsequent sequential accelerating units interconnected via connection cells. By grouping electrons in the first bunch resonator at a determined gap voltage, increasing the electron energy in a booster resonator and accelerating the electron energy in the accelerating unit, the optimal phase of particles with respect to the electromagnetic field is ensured. The length of each accelerating structure segment, which is located between centers of the adjacent cells, is based on the equality between the relation of the length of each following segment to the length of the previous segment and the relation of the average electron speed in the previous segment to the average electron speed in the following segment.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a process to regulate power for a particle accelerator includes a first circulator, a second circulator, a tee coupled between the first and the second circulator, and a tuner coupled to the tee. An apparatus for use in a process to regulate power for a particle accelerator includes a first circulator, a second circulator, a 3-dB coupler coupled between the first and the second circulator, and a tuner coupled to the 3-dB coupler.

Abstract: Man-portable radiation generation sources and systems that may be carried by hand to a site of interest by one or two people, are disclosed. Methods of use of such sources and systems are also disclosed. Battery operated radiation generation sources, air cooled radiation generation sources, and charged particle accelerators, are also disclosed. A radiation generation source with a target less than 0.20 mm is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of using off-axis particle beam injection in energy-recovering linear accelerators that increases operational efficiency while eliminating the need to merge the high energy re-circulating beam with an injected low energy beam. In this arrangement, the high energy re-circulating beam and the low energy beam are manipulated such that they are within a predetermined distance from one another and then the two immerged beams are injected into the linac and propagated through the system. The configuration permits injection without geometric beam merging as well as decelerated beam extraction without the use of typical beamline elements.

Abstract: Methods are described wherein the signals from various sensors that monitor parameters such as beam position, beam intensity at each turn, number of turns, extracted current, extracted beam profile in space and energy are used to determine the effect of the variation of different parameters that control the operation of an accelerator. The diagnostic measurements and adjustments may be based upon measuring and evaluating parameters as a function of turn, and are part of an automated feedback loop for achieving the proper automated operation. The methods can be used to establish proper operating values for the accelerator parameters for optimum beam operation. By the use of feedback the operation of the accelerator can be automatically controlled in real time.