Power-amplification of a heavy-ion beam in an induction linac

In contrast to an rf linac - a constant-current device in which the beam power is increased solely by the addition of kinetic energy, qV, - the induction linac (I.l.) can amplify the beam power at a much more rapid rate. Proper programming of the switching of the modules and the shape of their voltage waveforms, in the early stages of acceleration, can result in a beam current that rises at a rate between v^1/2 and V and, consequently, a beam power th at varies in the range V^3/2 to V². The current is 1imited by the transport lens system, which must overcome the beam defocusing force due to space charge.