Perspectives on Ultra-Compact High Gradient RF Accelerator Technology

Abstract:  Accelerating particles over shorter distances than ever before opens new doors in many areas of science. To this end, we have been exploring RF breakdown phenomena in high vacuum structures. We have been able to engineer some of the materials used in the accelerator structure and modify its geometry to achieve extremely high gradients~175 MV/m. Now, our research effort have to also include practical engineering developments to transform these advances into practical devices that can be applied to photon science, high-energy physics, medical, industrial and national security uses. In this talk We will describe our progress on high gradient RF accelerators and the equally advanced developments for compact RF sources capable of driving these new types of accelerators. We will also describe some of the applications being enabled by these developments. For photon sciences, we are looking at compact high repetition rate coherent X-ray sources. For high energy physics application we are looking at the next generation of accelerators for linear colliders. For medical applications we are exploring a new paradigm shift in radiation therapy that will enable dose delivery at an extremely fast time scale; enough to freeze motion and hence enhance precision.