11–20 MeV Alvarez Drift Tube Linac for low energy proton accelerator

Abstract

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre is developing Low Energy High Intensity Proton Accelerator (LEHIPA) as a pre-injector for proposed Accelerator Driven Sub-Critical Reactor Systems (ADSS). Drift Tube Linac is one of the two major accelerating structures of LEHIPA, the other being the Radio Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ). Like all particle accelerating structures, DTL needs multi-disciplinary expertise for design, production, qualification, and installation. This paper describes the comprehensive design, production, qualification, and installation of the ∼ 11–20 MeV section of DTL. It details the design of all sub-components which form part of the DTL RF cavity. Several novel concepts were implemented in course of this development. Important among them are DT-DTL alignment, referencing methodology, robust vacuum design and hermetically sealed DTs. This paper is a comprehensive coverage of design, development and installation aspects of Alvarez DTL. At present, the DTL is ready for beam commissioning.