Linear Accelerator (linac) Patents (Class 315/505)
  • Patent number: 8022900
    Abstract: An OLED display includes a pixel having a first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel, a third sub-pixel, and a fourth sub-pixel, each of which displays a different color, a gate line for transmitting gate signals to the pixel, a data line for transmitting data signals to the pixel, a first driving voltage line that transmits a driving voltage to the pixel and is substantially parallel to the data line, and a second driving voltage line that is connected to the first driving voltage line and is substantially parallel to the gate line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung-Sik Koh, Nam-Deog Kim, Beohm-Rock Choi, Kyeng-Eun Roh, Kwang-Chul Jung, Joon-Hoo Choi, Jong-Moo Huh, Seung-Kyu Park, Joon-Chul Goh, Young-Soo Yoon
  • Publication number: 20110216886
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Ching-Hung Ho, Stephen Wah-Kwan Cheung, Roger Heering Miller, Juwen Wang
  • Publication number: 20110188638
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Paul Dennis Treas, Roger Heering Miller
  • Patent number: 7982416
    Abstract: In a circular accelerator, a magnetic pole edge portion of a bending electromagnet into and from which a charged particle beam enters and exits is provided with endpacks. A first protrusion is provided at that part of each end pack which is radially outside the equilibrium orbit of a center energy beam, while a second protrusion is provided at that part of each end pack which is radially inside the equilibrium orbit of the center energy beam. The shapes of the first and second protrusions are set so that the betatron oscillation numbers of beams of different acceleration energies may be held constant or become linear to the energies. In case of emitting the charged particle beam out of the circular accelerator, the change of a tune attributed to the change of the beam orbit can be statically corrected, the tune is linearly changed, and an adjustment of the emission of the beam becomes easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hirofumi Tanaka, Takashi Hifumi, Katsuhisa Yoshida, Kazuo Yamamoto, Yoichi Kuroda
  • Publication number: 20110156967
    Abstract: A touch screen panel (TSP) antenna of a mobile terminal is provided. The TSP antenna includes an ITO film stacked in a TSP, an upper electrode line, a lower electrode line, a left electrode line, and a right electrode line formed at an upper or lower surface of the ITO film, an external surface, and an antenna pattern formed in at least one of an upper surface, a lower surface, a left surface, and a right surface of the external surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Kyung Jin OH, Oh Hyuck KWON
  • Patent number: 7952304
    Abstract: Radiation systems, including apparatuses and methods, for providing multiple independent RF electron accelerators with RF power from a single RF generator. The radiation systems may be employed in radiation treatment systems for treating subject objects by irradiating them from different directions and in inspection systems for producing images of the contents of a container or other volume in multiple planes using RF electron accelerators that receive RF electromagnetic power from a single RF generator. The radiation systems include RF drive subsystems each having a 3 dB directional coupler connected between an RF generator and RF electron accelerators. Each 3 dB directional coupler divides RF electromagnetic power received from the RF generator into equal or unequal portions for delivery to respective RF electron accelerators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventors: Alexandre A. Zavadlsev, Gary F. Bowser
  • Publication number: 20110121763
    Abstract: We propose that during the factory testing of the linac, rather than simply confirming that the beam falls within the permissible ranges set out in the standard, the beam is in fact adjusted towards a standard signature. A new (or existing) linac could then be paired to a new linac, or to an existing linac, such as one that it is to operate alongside or one that it is to replace. Treatment plans would then be transferable between such pairs of linacs. In addition, the standard signature to which the linacs were approximated could be placed towards the centre of the permitted ranges, to produce linacs that were more reliable over the very long term. This requires a linac that has automatically adjustable parameters, so that a suitable programmed computer is able to monitor the output of the linac and adjust its operating parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: ELEKTA AB (PUBL)
    Inventors: Philip Sadler, David Harrison, Neil Mccann
  • Patent number: 7947969
    Abstract: A stacked conformation radiotherapy system capable of homogenizing a radiation dose distribution, including an irradiation head and irradiation control means. The irradiation head projects a particle beam accelerated by an accelerator, toward an object to-be-irradiated, and it includes wobbler electromagnets for deflecting and scanning the particle beam. In carrying out stacked conformation radiotherapy by deflecting and scanning the particle beam, the irradiation control means subjects the wobbler electromagnets to magnetization controls so that the particle beam may depict a one-stroke revolving orbit which begins with a start point and returns to the start point, and it performs a control so that the irradiation period of the particle beam to be outputted from the irradiation head may become integral times a wobbler cycle which is required for the particle beam to make one revolution of the revolving orbit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Yuehu Pu
  • Patent number: 7949126
    Abstract: A bipolar pulse forming transmission line module and system for linear induction accelerators having first, second, third, and fourth planar conductors which form a sequentially arranged interleaved stack having opposing first and second ends, with dielectric layers between the conductors. The first and second planar conductors are connected to each other at the first end, and the first and fourth planar conductors are connected to each other at the second end via a shorting plate. The third planar conductor is electrically connectable to a high voltage source, and an internal switch functions to short at the first end a high voltage from the third planar conductor to the fourth planar conductor to produce a bipolar pulse at the acceleration axis with a zero net time integral. Improved access to the switch is enabled by an aperture through the shorting plate and the proximity of the aperture to the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventor: Mark A. Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20110101892
    Abstract: An accelerator for accelerating charged particles has a plurality of delay lines (13, 15) that are directed at a beam trajectory (35) and that are disposed in succession in the direction of the beam trajectory (35), wherein at least some of the delay lines (13, 15) are rotated with respect to one another relative to the beam trajectory (35).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Oliver Heid
  • Publication number: 20110101893
    Abstract: An accelerator for accelerating charged particles has at least two delay lines having different delays, wherein the at least two delay lines have an input side into which electromagnetic waves can be conducted for producing an accelerating electric potential, wherein the input side of the delay lines is designed to reflect electromagnetic waves, and the accelerating electric potential can be produced at least partially by the waves reflected at the input side. In a method for operating an accelerator, which comprises at least two delay lines having different delays, the at least two delay lines have an input side into which electromagnetic waves can be conducted for producing an accelerating electric potential, wherein the electromagnetic waves conducted into the delay lines are reflected at the input side, and the accelerating electric potential can be produced at least partially by the waves reflected at the input side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Oliver Heid
  • Publication number: 20110089871
    Abstract: An accelerator pack, specifically for linear accelerator modules cascade-connected to a proton-emitting cyclotron, specially adapted for use in cancer therapies. Such a technique is named PT. The pack displays an accelerating cavity of improved efficiency in virtue of its shape, which provides for making a portion of accelerating cavity on both faces of the pack. Furthermore, the pack also contains a coupling cavity portion. In such a manner, the volume of the accelerating cavity is increased as compared to that of the packs of the known accelerator modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Vittorio Giorgio Vaccaro
  • Patent number: 7906770
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for planning and delivering radiation treatments by modalities which involve moving a radiation source along a trajectory relative to a subject while delivering radiation to the subject. In some embodiments the radiation source is moved continuously along the trajectory while in some embodiments the radiation source is moved intermittently. Some embodiments involve the optimization of the radiation delivery plan to meet various optimization goals while meeting a number of constraints. For each of a number of control points along a trajectory, a radiation delivery plan may comprise: a set of motion axes parameters, a set of beam shape parameters and a beam intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Karl Otto
  • Patent number: 7898193
    Abstract: A slot resonance coupled, linear standing wave particle accelerator. The accelerator includes a series of resonant accelerator cavities positioned along a beam line, which are connected by resonant azimuthal slots formed in interior walls separating adjacent cavities. At least some of the slots are resonant at a frequency comparable to the resonant frequency of the cavities. The resonant slots are offset from the axis of the accelerator and have a major dimension extending in a direction transverse to the radial direction with respect to the accelerator axis. The off-axis resonant slots function to magnetically couple adjacent cavities of the accelerator while also advancing the phase difference between the standing wave in adjacent cavities by 180 degrees in addition to the 180 degree phase difference resulting from coupling of the standing wave in each cavity with the adjacent slot, such that the signals in each cavity are in phase with one another and each cavity functions as a live accelerating cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Far-Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger H. Miller, Nikolai Barov
  • Patent number: 7898192
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an accelerator waveguide to generate an accelerated radiation beam, and a housing to house to accelerator waveguide. The housing may include an interface to couple the housing to and to decouple the housing from a movable support. Some aspects include coupling a first interface of a housing to a first interface of a movable support, and uncoupling the first interface of the housing from the first interface of the movable support, wherein the housing includes an accelerator waveguide to generate an accelerated radiation beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan S. Maltz
  • Patent number: 7884333
    Abstract: A new type of structure for the deflection and crabbing of particle bunches in particle accelerators comprising a number of parallel transverse electromagnetic (TEM)-resonant) lines operating in opposite phase from each other. Such a structure is significantly more compact than conventional crabbing cavities operating the transverse magnetic TM mode, thus allowing low frequency designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Jefferson Science Associates, LLC
    Inventor: Jean Delayen
  • Patent number: 7880154
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for planning and delivering radiation treatments by modalities which involve moving a radiation source along a trajectory relative to a subject while delivering radiation to the subject. In some embodiments the radiation source is moved continuously along the trajectory while in some embodiments the radiation source is moved intermittently. Some embodiments involve the optimization of the radiation delivery plan to meet various optimization goals while meeting a number of constraints. For each of a number of control points along a trajectory, a radiation delivery plan may comprise: a set of motion axes parameters, a set of beam shape parameters and a beam intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Karl Otto
  • Patent number: 7880146
    Abstract: A FFAG is a particle accelerator having turning magnets with a linear field gradient for confinement and a large edge angle to compensate for acceleration. FODO cells contain focus magnets and defocus magnets that are specified by a number of parameters. A set of seven equations, called the FFAG equations relate the parameters to one another. A set of constraints, call the FFAG constraints, constrain the FFAG equations. Selecting a few parameters, such as injection momentum, extraction momentum, and drift distance reduces the number of unknown parameters to seven. Seven equations with seven unknowns can be solved to yield the values for all the parameters and to thereby fully specify a FFAG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Universities Research Association, Inc.
    Inventor: Carol J. Johnstone
  • Publication number: 20110006708
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Ching-Hung Ho, Stephen Wah-Kwan Cheung, Roger Heering Miller, Juwen Wang
  • Patent number: 7868564
    Abstract: A linearity of a voltage change to a tuner insertion amount is verified for at least one of a plurality of tuners. Based on the voltage change linearity, individual voltage change data corresponding to respective insertion amounts are calculated for each of the plurality of tuners through a proportional calculation. A combination of auto-tuners and a combination of respective insertion amounts of the auto-tuners are determined using the individual voltage change data, and an adequacy of the determined combinations is verified through a direct three-dimensional electromagnetic field calculation. The combinations are determined on a condition that, when the individual voltage change data of nominated tuners are added together, respective voltage changes attributed to the nominated tuners are cancelled out to allow an entire voltage distribution to have substantially no change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: National Institute of Radiological Sciences
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Iwata, Satoru Yamada
  • Publication number: 20100327785
    Abstract: A particle accelerator includes a power supply arrangement, multiple solid-state switched drive sections, a plurality of magnetic core sections and a switch control module. The drive sections are connected to the power supply arrangement for receiving electrical power therefrom, and each drive section includes 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 are symmetrically arranged along a central beam axis, and each magnetic core of the sections is coupled to a respective drive section through an electrical winding connected to the output of the drive section. The switch control module is connected to the drive sections for providing control signals to control turn-on and turn-off of the solid state switches to selectively drive magnetic cores to induce an electric field for accelerating the beam of charged particles along the beam axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: ScandiNova Systems AB
    Inventors: Walter Frederick John CREWSON, Mark H. KALTENBORN
  • Patent number: 7859199
    Abstract: The introduction of a magnetic electron beam orbit chicane between the wiggler and the downstream initial bending dipole in an energy recovering Linac alleviates the effects of radiation propagated from the downstream bending dipole that tend to distort the proximate downstream mirror of the optical cavity resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: A Jefferson Science Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Benson, George Herman Biallas, David Douglas, Kevin Carl Jordan, George R. Neil, Michele D. Shinn, Gwyn P. Willams
  • Patent number: 7858951
    Abstract: A skewed chicane eigenmode exchange module (SCEEM) that combines in a single beamline segment the separate functionalities of a skew quad eigenmode exchange module and a magnetic chicane. This module allows the exchange of independent betatron eigenmodes, alters electron beam orbit geometry, and provides longitudinal parameter control with dispersion management in a single beamline segment with stable betatron behavior. It thus reduces the spatial requirements for multiple beam dynamic functions, reduces required component counts and thus reduces costs, and allows the use of more compact accelerator configurations than prior art design methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Jefferson Science Associates, LLC
    Inventor: David Douglas
  • Publication number: 20100301782
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuo Yamamoto, Hirofumi Tanaka, Yoichi Kuroda
  • Publication number: 20100289436
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Andrei Sergeevich Alimov, Boris Sarkisovich Ishkhanov, Nikolai Ivanovich Pakhomov, Viktor Petrovich Sakharov, Vasily Ivanovich Shvedunov
  • Patent number: 7821213
    Abstract: Techniques for controlling a charged particle beam are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a charged particle acceleration/deceleration system. The charged particle acceleration/deceleration system may comprise an accelerator column, which may comprise a plurality of electrodes. The plurality of electrodes may have apertures through which a charged particle beam may pass. The charged particle acceleration/deceleration system may also comprise a voltage grading system. The voltage grading system may comprise a first fluid reservoir and a first fluid circuit. The first fluid circuit may have conductive connectors connecting to at least one of the plurality of electrodes. The voltage grading system may further comprise fluid in the first fluid circuit. The fluid may have an electrical resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Piotr R. Lubicki, Russell J. Low, Stephen E. Krause, Frank Sinclair
  • Patent number: 7816870
    Abstract: A method and systems for fast ferroelectric tuning of RF power used in a particle accelerating system. By adjusting the voltages fed to the ferroelectric phase shift controller, the amplitude and phase of the RF power wave are altered, thus changing the coupling of the power generating circuit and the superconducting cavity. By altering this coupling rapidly, maximum power transfer efficiency can be achieved, which is important given the large amounts of power shunted through the particle accelerating system. In one embodiment, the ferroelectric tuner is optimally made of a magic-T waveguide circuit element and two phase shifters, although other implementations of the system may be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Omega-P, Inc.
    Inventors: Vyacheslav P. Yakovlev, Sergey Y. Kazakov, Jay L. Hirshfield
  • Publication number: 20100231144
    Abstract: A microwave system for driving a linear accelerator is provided. The inventive microwave system employs a plurality of magnetrons, at least one pulse generator to energize the magnetrons, means for synchronizing outputs from the magnetrons, and at least one waveguide for transmitting synchronized outputs or power from the magnetrons to a linear accelerator. The linear accelerator that is driven by the inventive microwave system demonstrates increased efficiency and dependability, higher energy and power outputs, as well as, different energy outputs that can take the form of successive pulses that alternate between at least two different energy levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Paul H. Leek
  • Patent number: 7791290
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for modulating a beam of charged particles is described in which a beam of charged particles is produced by a particle source and a varying electric field is induced within an ultra-small resonant structure. The beam of charged particles is modulated by the interaction of the varying electric field with the beam of charged particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Virgin Islands Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Gorrell, Mark Davidson, Michael E. Maines, Paul Hart
  • Patent number: 7791291
    Abstract: A diamond field emission tip and methods of forming such diamond field emission tips, for use with cathodes that will act as a source of and emit beams of charged particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Virgin Islands Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Gorrell
  • Patent number: 7786675
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for fast ferroelectric tuning of RF power used in a particle accelerating system. By adjusting the voltages fed to the ferroelectric phase shift controller, the amplitude and phase of the RF power wave are altered, thus changing the coupling of the power generating circuit and the superconducting cavity. By altering this coupling rapidly, maximum power transfer efficiency can be achieved, which is important given the large amounts of power shunted through the particle accelerating system. In one embodiment, the ferroelectric tuner is optimally made of a magic-T waveguide circuit element and two phase shifters, although other implementations of the system may be utilized. Alternative phase shifters are shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Omega-P, Inc.
    Inventors: Vyacheslav P. Yakovlev, Sergey Y. Kazakov, Jay L. Hirshfield
  • Patent number: 7786823
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a power generator includes a first power splitter having an input port, wherein the input port is configured to connect to a power generator, a second power splitter having an output port, wherein the output port is configured to connect to a device that receives power from the power generator, and a first phase shifter assembly coupled to the first power splitter and the second power splitter, wherein the first phase shifter assembly is a non-reciprocal phase shifter. An apparatus for use with a power generator includes a power attenuator having an input for receiving power from a power generator, and a phase shifter, wherein the phase shifter includes a ferrite material and circuitry for electro-magnetically biasing the ferrite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan Heisen, Carsten Weil
  • Publication number: 20100207553
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for accelerating low-injection energy electrons in a continuous standing wave linear accelerator (9) consisting in successively grouping electrons, in accelerating said electrons in a high-frequency electromagnetic field, which is formed in accelerating units (2, 3, 4i) and in which the electron flow is supplied directly from a low-energy electron source (10) to said subsequently accelerating cells (2, 3, 4i) interconnected via connection cells (5, 6i), in grouping electrons with the aid of the first accelerating unit embodied in the form of a bunch resonator (2) at a determined voltage Ug on the gap thereof, in increasing the electron energy in the second accelerating unit embodied in the form of a booster resonator (3) in such a way that the relative speed thereof $g(b) is $m(G) 0.4-0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Andrei Sergeevich Alimov, Boris Sarkisovich Ishkhanov, Nikolai Ivanovich Pakhomov, Viktor Petrovich Sakharov, Vasily Ivanovich Shvedunov
  • Publication number: 20100188027
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Paul Dennis Treas, Roger Heering Miller, Juwen Wang
  • Patent number: 7759883
    Abstract: Electromedical apparatus for intraoperative radiotherapy via a linac. It includes an arm in which, at an extremity thereof, an oscillator is assembled which generates electromagnetic waves, and which supports, at an opposite extremity thereof, a radiating head in which a linac is assembled, emitting at its output an electron beam, supplied by the oscillator through a guiding structure. The apparatus includes a first and a second rotary couplings, respectively including a fixed portion and a mobile portion, endowed with sensors of the angular position of the mobile portions, which support the radiating head on the arm in roll and pitch motion. The guiding structure includes three separate rigid waveguides, of which one at the output of the oscillator and one of input to the linac, and an intermediate one therebetween, which connects them, with the heads of which they are respectively connected through the first and the second rotary couplings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Pompilio Gatto
  • Patent number: 7746192
    Abstract: Fabrication methods for contoured polyhedral cavities for particle acceleration are disclosed. The process may include: trimming flat sheets to a conformal shape; bending the sheets to form a contour that is axially curved and azimuthally flat; and joining the sheets to form a circumferentially polyhedral cavity that is configured to support a resonant electromagnetic field at cryogenic temperatures. The resulting cavity may have ductile or even brittle superconducting materials with an axially-oriented grain structure at each point on the circumference of the cavity. As part of the assembly process, the sheets may be bonded to a supporting substrate of thermally conductive material having integrated cooling passages. The supporting substrates may be configured to have electrical contact near the cavity openings while having a small gap near the equators of the cavity. Moreover, mode-coupling channels and waveguides may be provided to extract energy from undesired deflection modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventor: Peter M. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 7714513
    Abstract: We describe an ultra-small structure that produces visible light of varying frequency, from a single metallic layer. In one example, a row of metallic posts are etched or plated on a substrate according to a particular geometry. When a charged particle beam passed close by the row of posts, the posts and cavities between them cooperate to resonate and produce radiation in the visible spectrum (or even higher). A plurality of such rows of different geometries can be etched or plated from a single metal layer such that the charged particle beam will yield different visible light frequencies (i.e., different colors) using different ones of the rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Virgin Islands Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Gorrell, Mark Davidson, Michael E Maines
  • Patent number: 7710040
    Abstract: An array of ultra-small structures of between ones of nanometers to hundreds of micrometers in size that can be energized to produce at least two different frequencies of out put energy or data, with the ultra small structures being formed on a single conductive layer on a substrate. The array can include one row of different ultra small structures, multiple rows of ultra small structures, with each row containing identical structures, or multiple rows of a variety of structures that can produce all spectrums of energy or combinations thereof, including visible light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Virgin Islands Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Gorrell, Mark Davidson, Jean Tokarz, Andres Trucco
  • Patent number: 7710051
    Abstract: A compact accelerator system having an integrated particle generator-linear accelerator with a compact, small-scale construction capable of producing an energetic (˜70-250 MeV) proton beam or other nuclei and transporting the beam direction to a medical therapy patient without the need for bending magnets or other hardware often required for remote beam transport. The integrated particle generator-accelerator is actuable as a unitary body on a support structure to enable scanning of a particle beam by direction actuation of the particle generator-accelerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: George J. Caporaso, Yu-Jiuan Chen, Steven A. Hawkins, Stephen E. Sampayan, Arthur C. Paul
  • Patent number: 7683556
    Abstract: In an acceleration tube conditioning apparatus for performing a conditioning process on an acceleration tube when a high frequency power signal to be supplied to an acceleration tube is generated by a high frequency power supply, a power value collecting section collects a traveling wave power value and a reflection wave power value from a sensor which monitors the traveling wave power signal and the reflection wave power signal. A high frequency calculating section calculates a resonance frequency of the acceleration tube based on the traveling wave power value and the reflection wave power value. A high frequency adjusting section determines a high frequency value based on one of the traveling wave power value and the reflection wave power value as a selection power value, and a high frequency power supply control unit controls the high frequency power supply based on the high frequency value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsufumi Aoi, Kuniyuki Kajinishi, Ichiro Yamashita, Susumu Urano, Shinji Nomura
  • Publication number: 20100066256
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Gard Meddaugh
  • Patent number: 7679297
    Abstract: A petawatt pulsed-power accelerator can be driven by various types of electrical-pulse generators, including conventional Marx generators and linear-transformer drivers. The pulsed-power accelerator can be configured to drive an electrical load from one- or two-sides. Various types of loads can be driven; for example, the accelerator can be used to drive a high-current z-pinch load. When driven by slow-pulse generators (e.g., conventional Marx generators), the accelerator comprises an oil section comprising at least one pulse-generator level having a plurality of pulse generators; a water section comprising a pulse-forming circuit for each pulse generator and a level of monolithic triplate radial-transmission-line impedance transformers, that have variable impedance profiles, for each pulse-generator level; and a vacuum section comprising triplate magnetically insulated transmission lines that feed an electrical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Stygar, Michael E. Cuneo, Daniel I. Headley, Harry C. Ives, Berry Cottrell Ives, legal representative, Ramon J. Leeper, Michael G. Mazarakis, Craig L. Olson, John L. Porter, Tim C. Wagoner
  • Publication number: 20100060209
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Vladimir Balakin
  • Publication number: 20100060208
    Abstract: A linac system having at least two linac structures configured to operate with a resonant coupler. The linac structures and the resonant coupler resonate at the same frequency, are in close proximity, and designed for a relative phase of 0° or 180°. The coupling between the resonant coupler and the linac structures is achieved by slots between the linac structures and the resonant coupler, which allow the magnetic fields of the linac structures to interact with the magnetic field of the resonant coupler. The relative size of the slots determines the relative amplitude of the fields in the linac structures. There are three modes of oscillation, a 0 mode, wherein the linac structures and the resonant coupler are excited in phase, a ?/2 mode, wherein the linac structures are excited out of phase and the resonant coupler is nominally unexcited, and the ? mode, wherein the linac structures and the resonator coupler are excited out of phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Donald A. Swenson
  • Publication number: 20100060207
    Abstract: A compact accelerator system having an integrated particle generator-linear accelerator with a compact, small-scale construction capable of producing an energetic (˜70-250 MeV) proton beam or other nuclei and transporting the beam direction to a medical therapy patient without the need for bending magnets or other hardware often required for remote beam transport. The integrated particle generator-accelerator is actuable as a unitary body on a support structure to enable scanning of a particle beam by direction actuation of the particle generator-accelerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: George J. Caporaso, Yu-Jiuan Chen, Steven A. Hawkins, Stephen E. Sampayan
  • Patent number: 7649328
    Abstract: A sub-mm wave source based on Cherenkov resonant radiation of a microbunched electron beam radiating coherently in a dielectric-loaded pipe. The microbunched electron beam is produced in a pulse photoinjector by illuminating a metal photocathode with sub-ps or multi-ps intensity-modulated laser beam with a beat wave or multiplexing at terahertz frequencies, the photoelectrons generated at the photocathode being accelerated by an electric field and sub-wavelength focused by magnetic field to propagate through a resonant radiator comprising a corrugated wall or smooth-wall metal capillary pipe internally coated with dielectric and attached to an antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventors: Alexei V. Smirnov, David U. L. Yu
  • Patent number: 7645994
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for outputting high and/or low energy X-rays, in which the electron gun power supply provides power to the electron linear accelerating tube under the control of the control system; the microwave power source accelerates electron beams generated by the electron linear accelerating tube under the control of the control system; the electron linear accelerating tube is connected to the electron gun power supply and the microwave power source respectively, to generate high energy electron beams; the high-voltage electron gun power supply provides power to the high-voltage electron gun under the control of the control system; the high-voltage electron gun is connected to the voltage electron gun power supply to generate low energy electron beams; the radiation target receives the high energy electron beams to generate high energy transmission X-rays, and/or receive the low energy electron beams to generate low energy reflection X-rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Chuanxiang Tang, Huaibi Chen, Yinong Liu, Jianping Cheng, Yaohong Liu, Renkai Li
  • Publication number: 20090302785
    Abstract: A slot resonance coupled, linear standing wave particle accelerator. The accelerator includes a series of resonant accelerator cavities positioned along a beam line, which are connected by resonant azimuthal slots formed in interior walls separating adjacent cavities. At least some of the slots are resonant at a frequency comparable to the resonant frequency of the cavities. The resonant slots are offset from the axis of the accelerator and have a major dimension extending in a direction transverse to the radial direction with respect to the accelerator axis. The off-axis resonant slots function to magnetically couple adjacent cavities of the accelerator while also advancing the phase difference between the standing wave in adjacent cavities by 180 degrees in addition to the 180 degree phase difference resulting from coupling of the standing wave in each cavity with the adjacent slot, such that the signals in each cavity are in phase with one another and each cavity functions as a live accelerating cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Roger H. Miller, Nikolai Barov
  • Patent number: 7629598
    Abstract: In a particle beam irradiation method and a particle beam irradiation apparatus in which depth direction irradiation field spread and lateral direction irradiation field spread are performed, an irradiation dose in each of the irradiation layers of an irradiation target is made substantially constant, the control is simplified, and the irradiation error by the displacement of the irradiation target is reduced. The depth direction irradiation field spread is an active irradiation field spread to superimpose plural irradiation layers having different ranges in the irradiation direction of the particle beam. A bolus having a shape along a deepest part of the irradiation target in the depth direction is disposed to cross the particle beam. At least one irradiation layer selected from the plural irradiation layers is re-irradiated one or more times with the particle beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hisashi Harada
  • Patent number: 7619374
    Abstract: A radiotherapy system includes: a waveguide, an adjustable waveguide, and a non-reciprocal circuit element. The waveguide transmits a high-frequency wave from a high-frequency power source to an acceleration tube. The adjustable waveguide is included in said waveguide and transforms a part of said waveguide. The non-reciprocal circuit element is provided between said acceleration tube and said adjustable waveguide in said waveguide. Said acceleration tube accelerates charged particles for generating therapeutic radiation by using said high-frequency wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsufumi Aoi, Kuniyuki Kajinishi, Ichiro Yamashita, Shinji Nomura, Yoshio Sugimoto, Susumu Urano