Development of a dielectric wall accelerator proton therapy system

The Compact Particle Accelerator Corporation is developing a Dielectric Wall Accelerator to produce pulsed proton beams for treatment of cancers. The accelerator subsystems include a RFQ proton injection system and a pulsed kicker for selecting the desired proton bunches. The linear accelerator is consists of a high gradient insulator beam pipe and stacked transmission lines, driven using optical switches, producing the required accelerating gradient. An engineering prototype has been constructed and initial experiments have been conducted. Results obtained from the engineering prototype support the development of a compact, single room, 150 MeV scanning beam medical system capable of modulating energy, beam current and spot size on a shot to shot basis within the next three years. The medical system will be intended for installation in existing facilities and will enable significant proliferation of proton therapy centers because of the significant reduction in both the cost of acquisition and cost of ownership. The paper will discuss the status of the accelerator development with focus on the design of the pulsed power system.