Portable X-Band Linear Electron Accelerators for Radiographic Applications

The MINAC series portable linear electron accelerator systems designed and manufactured at American Science and Engineering, Inc. High Energy Systems Division (AS&E HESD) are discussed in this paper. Each system can be configured as either an X-ray or electron beam source. The 4 MeV and 6 MeV linacs powered by a 1,5 MW magnetron permit operation in a dose rate range from 100 R/min to 600 R/min at 1 meter from X-ray target. Each MINAC is a self-contained source with standard radiation leakage less than 0,1% of the maximum dose. Along with these systems, an ultra-compact 1 MeV MINAC has been successfully tested. The unit is tested to generate up to 100 R/min@1 m in energy range from 1 to 3 MeV with radiation leakage less then 0.01%. The results of low and high power test are presented.