SBIR-STTR Award

The thrust of this proposal is the development of small, economical, "table-top" accelerators for the production of the short-lived radioisotopes for the powerful medical diagnostic techniques, based on positron emission tomography (PET), which have proven effective in monitoring physiological processes in the body, including brain imaging and visual processing. It draws upon recent advances in linear accelerator technology, a new rf-focused drift tube linac structure (to be developed under this effort), and some rf power source innovations. The principal technical innovations are the higher frequency (800-MHz), which reduces the size of the device and its rf power dissipation, the stronger rf focusing throughout, which reduces the proton beam diameter and improves the energy transfer process, and the single-tank, single- frequency configuration, which allows consideration of a very economical rf power system. A significant part of the effort will directed to the development of a new rf-focused drift-tube (RFD) linac structure. First- order analyses of the performance of each individual component and their performance in combination, will be accomplished. A tentative design for a compact, economical 12-MeV accelerator system for the production of short-lived radioisotopes for the medical community will be produced. Performance and cost estimated for the system will be prepared. Successful completion of this project offers a dramatic reduction in the size, cost and complexity of small proton linacs for isotope production and other medical applications. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: The potential commercial applications of the research will be the development of a family of small, commercially viable, proton linacs for medical and industrial applications. The principal medical application is the production of short-lived radioisotopes for positron emission tomography (PET). Another significant medical application for these devices would be as an injectors for proton synchrotrons to produce the higher energy protons required for proton therapy.

Thesaurus Terms:
biomedical equipment development, hydrogen, particle accelerator, positron emission tomography brain visualization, carbon, fluorine, image processing, nitrogen, oxygen, radionuclide

The thrust of this program is the development of small, economical, proton linacs for commercial applications. Principal medical applications include the production of short-lived radioisotopes for PET, epithermal neutrons for BNCT, and accelerated protons for injection into the proton synchrotrons required for proton therapy. Principal innovations lie in the development of the revolutionary new Rf-Focused Drift tube (RFD) linac structure. Proposed research includes theoretical analyses, experimental evaluations, and operational tests of this new structure. A significant part of the program involves the design, fabrication, and test of a "Proof- of-Principle" prototype. Benefits of developing small, economical, and transportable sources of accelerated ions and associated radiation include promotion of processes requiring these forms of radiation, development of materials using these processes, development of products using these materials, and stimulation of high-technology business in this country. Wider availability of these processes, materials, and products will increase the standard of living in this country and abroad. They present significant business opportunities for both domestic and foreign trade. The processes will result in safer airplanes, better medical diagnostics, better cancer therapy, improved mineral exploration, stronger composite materials, and safer nuclear power. Beneficiaries will include airplane passengers, farmers, soldiers in the field, and cancer victims. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: The commercial potential of this research comes through utilization of the new firmly of compact linacs, developed under this program, to support a wide variety of medical, industrial, agricultural, scientific, and military applications. The principal medical application is the production of short-lived radioisotopes for PET. Other important medical applications include the production of epithermal neutron beams for BNCT and injector linacs for the proton synchrotrons required for proton therapy.

Thesaurus Terms:
biomedical equipment, biomedical equipment development, physics, positron emission tomography, proton beam, radionuclide linear energy transfer