Low-Energy Linac Structure for Pigmi

The higher radio frequency (450 MHz) and lower injection energy (250 keV) of the PIGMI (Pion Generator for Medical Irradiations) linac design seriously compound the problem of beam containment in the first few meters of the structure. The conventional quadrupole-focused, drift-tube linac represents the best solution for beam energies above 8 MeV, but because of the small space available for quadrupoles in the PIGMI designs, cannot provide the required focusing at lower energies. A satisfactory solution to this focusing problem has been found based on pure alternating phase focusing for the first few MeV, followed by a smooth transition to a pure permanent magnet quadrupole-focused structure at 8 MeV. The structure and its calculated performance are described.