The Micro Accelerator Platform: A New Particle Source for Industrial, Medical, and Research Applications

Sources of relativistic electrons for use in generating x-rays for high energy physics research are presently large and very expensive to produce. This project will develop a new kind of particle source, the Micro Accelerator Platform (MAP), based on a microstructure fabricated from dielectric materials, much the way microelectronic chips are produced. This source will be powered by a laser delivered over a fiber optic cable and will be less than a cubic millimeter in size. The project is the culmination of more than a decade of research into the physics of slab-symmetric dielectric structures. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The MAP should contribute to the development of future advanced accelerators for high energy physics research. The technology also holds great promise as a new form of cancer radiation therapy, delivered through a minimally invasive procedure to the tumor site, thus avoiding damage to healthy tissue. Finally, MAP technology should provide a new source for non-destructive testing (e.g. of pipes, engine parts, bridges, etc.) and cargo inspection (e.g. airport and shipping port security).