Variable Energy Cyclotron

The Texas A&M Variable Energy Cyclotron (TAMVEC) is presently under construction at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Bechtel Corporation is responsible for engineering, procurement, and construction of the machine. Machine engineering has been completed and construction is 80% complete. The TAMVEC, although based on a proven design and similar in basic physics and layout tothe 88-inch cyclotron at Lawrence Radiation Laboratory in Berkeley, California, nevertheless has many unique features. The mechanical design has been changed in a number of areas, resulting in improved vacuum system and simplified RF panel and trimmer capacitor drive systems. The electrical system has been broken down into independent functional subsystems. Each subsystem is self-contained and utilizes standard off-shelf components, separate inputs, and separate interlock systems. A centralized control system enables the operator to set and control the machine from the main control console. The following sections describe the machine in general.