THz Wave Accelerating Cavity for ultrafast science

Introduction

Particle accelerators are devices of primary importance in a large range of applications such as fundamental particle physics, nuclear physics, light sources, imaging, neutron sources, and the transmutation of nuclear waste. They are also used every day for cargo inspection, medical diagnostics, and radiotherapy worldwide.

Importance of Electrons

Electron is the easiest particle to produce and manipulate, resulting in an unequaled energy over cost ratio. However, there is an urgent and growing need to reduce the footprint of accelerators in order to lower their cost and environmental impact. This need spans from future high-energy colliders to portable relativistic electron sources for industrial and societal applications.

Proposed Vision

The radical new vision we propose will revolutionize the use of accelerators in terms of:

1. Footprint
2. Beam time delivery
3. Electron beam properties
   • Stability
   • Reproducibility
   • Monochromaticity
   • Femtosecond-scale bunch duration

Currently, these properties are only a dream for a wide range of users.

Development of New Structure

We propose developing a new structure that sustains the accelerating wave, pushing up the particle energy. This innovation will enable democratizing access to femtosecond-scale electron bunches for ultrafast phenomena studies.

Features of the New Accelerator

This light and compact accelerator aims to break through current technological barriers. It will:

• Open the way towards compact industrial accelerators with an energy gain gradient of more than 100 MeV/m.
• Enlarge time access in the medical environment (preclinical and clinical phase studies).

Integration with Conventional Sources

This new accelerating structure will be combined with a conventional femtosecond-scale electron source to provide a compact layout based on multi-skill competence, including:

• Non-linear optics
• High power optical source
• Accelerators
• Dosimetry

This integration will be secured by industry partners.

Practical Applications

Its size and weight will enable it to be mounted on a robotic arm, allowing it to move around a patient for medical applications or for material inspection in industrial applications.