Acceleration Modules in Linear Induction Accelerators

TL;DR

This paper reviews the evolution of Linear Induction Accelerators, emphasizing the transition from transformer to transmission line models, and clarifies the acceleration mechanism to aid future design improvements.

Contribution

It distinguishes between transformer and transmission line types of LIA modules and reexamines the acceleration mechanism based on transmission line theory.

Findings

Transition from transformer to transmission line models clarified

Understanding of acceleration mechanism improved

Guidance for future LIA design provided

Abstract

Linear Induction Accelerator (LIA) is a unique type of accelerator, which is capable to accelerate kiloAmpere charged particle current to tens of MeV energy. The present development of LIA in MHz busting mode and successful application into synchrotron broaden LIAs usage scope. Although transformer model is widely used to explain the acceleration mechanism of LIAs, it is not appropriate to consider the induction electric field as the field which accelerates charged particles for many modern LIAs. Authors examined the transition of the magnetic cores functions during LIA acceleration modules evolution, distinguished transformer type and transmission line type LIA acceleration modules, and reconsidered several related issues based on transmission line type LIA acceleration module. The clarified understanding should be helpful in the further development and design of the LIA acceleration modules.