Racetrack Microtron Layout for Compact CW Electron Acceleration

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a growing demand for advanced electron acceleration technology that provides improved efficiency, reliability, and mobility in industrial and medical applications, while existing systems are often costly and bulky.

Innovation Solution

A compact continuous wave electron accelerator system integrating a racetrack microtron (RTM) with a magnetron RF power source, utilizing a single linac and superconducting cavities, and incorporating permanent magnets for efficient low-gradient acceleration and reduced footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional electron linac systems are used, then electron acceleration capability is achieved, but system size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectron acceleration capabilityVSAvoidsystem footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the linear accelerator (linac) with a racetrack-shaped beam path into a single integrated racetrack microtron system. The linac is positioned within the straight sections of the racetrack, allowing electrons to be accelerated and then recirculated through the same structure multiple times. This merging of acceleration and recirculation functions into one compact unit reduces the overall system footprint while maintaining electron acceleration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The linac is nested within the racetrack beam path structure. The acceleration cavities are positioned inside the straight sections of the racetrack, and the beam path winds through the same physical envelope. This nesting allows the acceleration function to be contained within the recirculation structure, maximizing space utilization and minimizing the external footprint of the electron accelerator system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If high gradient acceleration is used, then acceleration efficiency improves, but peak RF power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacceleration efficiencyVSAvoidpeak RF power requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The racetrack microtron uses periodic recirculation of the electron beam through the linac acceleration cavities. Instead of achieving high energy in a single pass requiring extremely high gradient and peak power, the system accelerates electrons over multiple passes. The magnetron provides continuous wave RF power that sustains acceleration across many cycles, converting the requirement for high peak power into a requirement for sustained lower power over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs continuous wave (CW) magnetron RF power instead of pulsed RF. This provides uninterrupted acceleration to the recirculating electron beam, eliminating the need for high peak power pulses. The continuous RF field maintains steady acceleration across multiple beam passes through the linac, transforming intermittent high-power demands into continuous lower-power operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Power

If conventional RF power sources are used, then sufficient power is provided, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF power outputVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a magnetron as the RF power source instead of more expensive conventional RF amplifiers or klystrons. While magnetrons have limitations compared to high-end RF sources, they provide sufficient power for the racetrack microtron application at a fraction of the cost and with significantly reduced complexity. The magnetron's simpler structure and lower cost make the overall system more accessible while meeting the power requirements through the recirculating beam design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system achieves cost-effective, efficient, and portable electron beam generation, suitable for diverse applications, including Cobalt-60 replacement, isotope production, medical sterilization, and water treatment, with reduced power consumption and equipment costs.

Implementation Method 1

accelerate the received beam of electrons using continuous wave (CW) radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy provided by the magnetron

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Implementation Method 2

a linear accelerator (linac) integrated with a racetrack-shaped beam path to accelerate a beam of electrons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic acceleration: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20260020135A1Efficient compact electron linacs

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 MUONS INC

AI summary

A system for producing a high-speed beam of electrons can include a racetrack microtron (RTM) powered by a magnetron. The RTM can include a linear accelerator (linac) integrated with a racetrack-shaped beam path to accelerate a beam of electrons using continuous wave (CW) radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy provided by the magnetron.