Initial Operation of the MIT Electron Linear Accelerator

Abstract

Initial operating experience with the various high power sub-systems is discussed, and the results of electron beam tests at progressive stages of completion of the linac are presented. A highly stable analyzed beam containing greater than 85% of the accelerated current has been demonstrated routinely using ±0.11% analyzing slits at both the 20 MeV and 120 MeV stations. Of particular importance, especially for beam transportation and future considerations of beam recirculation, has been the achievement of an extremely low emittance. Beam measurements at the 20 MeV station have confirmed that essentially all of the accelerated current is contained within an emittance of 7±2×10-4 πmoc-cm; i.e., ~0.2 mm mrad at 20 MeV. System checkout is currently in progress to bring the linac up to its maximum operating condition of 430 MeV at a duty factor of 1.8 per cent.