Deuteron Cyclotron Auto-Resonance Accelerator: A Subsystem-Level Feasibility Overview

Accelerator capabilities beyond those of conventional drivers for compact accelerator-driven neutron sources (CANSs) are needed to serve applications that require high neutron flux, while remaining compact. These applications include—among others—fusion reactor materials testing, medical isotope production, tritium breeding, and nuclear waste transmutation. The deuteron cyclotron auto-resonance accelerator (dCARA) has been proposed as a compact CANS driver that would replace the conventional radiofrequency quadrupole and superconducting radio frequency linac chain with a single rotating-mode transverse electromagnetic cavity operating in a multi-tesla magnetic field. This paper provides an overview of the current readiness and feasibility of dCARA for this role by synthesizing the theory, simulation, and conceptual design studies, while employing specifications of available subsystem technologies. These include high-current deuteron ion sources, large bore multi-tesla superconducting magnets, and high-power radiofrequency systems. The simulations of ion acceleration in dCARA are consistent with analytical predictions. Furthermore, hardware for each major subsystem has already reached a high level of performance and technology readiness in developments for related systems. Integrated engineering design and experimental validation are ongoing, with the aim of extending CANS technology into high-flux application regimes based on use of the dCARA driver.