Design of a Novel Fixed Field Alternating Gradient (FFAG) Accelerator

The non-scaling Fixed Focus Alternating Gradient (FFAG) Accelerator is of strong interest for DOE facilities and commercial applications as a less expensive, faster cycling, and more-readily-operable device. This project will investigate the feasibility of this concept and plan for the construction of a scaled electron prototype. Phase I will develop an optimum lattice design, which will be scaled to given high-energy applications and based on a beam dynamic assessment that uses analytical and particle tracking. A first-order magnet design, suitable to the electron prototype, will be developed. In Phase II, the magnet design will be refined, tested against performance in the lattice (beam dynamics, field errors, alignability, etc.), and a lattice cell will be constructed. The results should lead to eventual construction of the electron prototype in Phase III. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by the Applicant: A simple economical accelerator should provide substantial benefits to the DOE in terms of the costs of constructing new accelerators and upgrading existing ones. Examples include an AGS beam-power upgrade, high-intensity proton drivers for nuclear physics, waste transmutation, radioisotope production, and high-intensity sychrotron radiation. In addition, the accelerator should have application to ion implantation, sterilization, and medical proton therapy