A VARIABLE-ENERGY PROTON LINEAR ACCELERATOR SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF OPERATING A PROTON BEAM SUITABLE FOR IRRADIATING TISSUE

摘要

One of the obstacles to the widespread use of proton therapy is the availability of affordable and compact proton sources and accelerators. The use of linear accelerators (Linacs) allow the construction of such a compact source which may be installed in existing medical facilities. However, instability occurs after accelerating units are turned on or off. A proton linear accelerator system configured to provide RF energy 132 during the off-time of the proton beam operating cycle 190 may be used for increasing or maintaining the temperature of cavities. A method of operating a proton beam is also provided which is suitable for irradiating tissue. These may provide an improved settling time.