Accelerator technology for the Los Alamos ATW [accelerator transmutation of nuclear waste] system

The Los Alamos concept for accelerator transmutation of nuclear waste (ATW) employs a high-power proton linear accelerator to generate intense fluxes of thermal neutrons (>1016 n/cm2-s) through spallation on a lead-bismuth target. The nominal beam energy for an ATW accelerator is 1.6 GeV, with average current requirements ranging from 250 mA to 30 mA, depending on application specifics. A recent study of accelerator production of tritium (APT) led to the development of a detailed point design for a 1.6 GeV, 250 mA cw proton linac. The accelerator design was reviewed by the Energy Research Advisory Board (ERAB) and found to be technically sound. The Panel concluded that linac of this power level could now be implemented within the existing technology base, given an adequate component development program and an integrated engineering demonstration of the front end