Possible use of the AGS linac for proton therapy

The BNL 200 MeV linac presently provides beam for the AGS high energy physics program and for isotope production at the Brookhaven Linac Isotope Producer (BLIP) facility. There is now a proposal to develop a proton therapy facility which would also use the linac beam. Approximately 1% of the current in each linac beam pulse would be diverted from BLIP, down an existing transport line, to the proposed new facility. This paper focuses on the basic design of the facility, particularly the accelerator issues. The planned transport line layout is presented, along with a description of the energy and intensity control, and beam delivery systems. In the initial phase, we are planning one 360 degrees vertical gantry and one horizontal treatment room