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abstract:
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The fixed-field alternating-gradient (FFAG) betatron
has emerged as a viable alternative to RF linacs as a
source of high-energy radiation for industrial and security
applications. For industrial applications, high average
currents at modest relativistic electron beam energies,
typically in the 5 to 10 MeV range, are desired for
medical product sterilization, food irradiation and
materials processing. For security applications, high
power x-rays in the 3 to 20 MeV range are needed for
rapid screening of cargo containers and vehicles. In a
FFAG betatron, high-power output is possible due to high
duty factor and fast acceleration cycle: electrons are
injected and accelerated in a quasi-CW mode while being
confined and focused in the fixed-field alternating-
gradient lattice. The beam is accelerated via magnetic
induction from a betatron core made with modern low-
loss magnetic materials. Here we present the design and
status of a prototype FFAG betatron, called the Radiatron,
as well as future prospects for these machines.
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