Applications of X-band technology in medical accelerators

Abstract

Most radiation therapy machines are based on microwave linear accelerators. The majority of medical accelerators use frequencies in the S-band range. Having a compact accelerator allows for a wide range of treatments. The size and weight of the accelerator is substantially reduced if a higher frequency is used. X-band frequencies are suitable for such applications. The X-band accelerator technology has been used in high-energy as well as industrial applications. In the radiation therapy field, it is already implemented in some machines. The Mobetron an Intra-Operative Radiation Therapy (IORT) treatment system is one example. Another example is the Stereotactic Radiosurgery machine, the CyberKnife. The compactness of these machines required the use of an X-band accelerator. The basis for choosing the X-band technology in some of the medical machines is analysed. A review of the exiting medical applications is included. We also discuss the availability of other X-band components in the machine, including high-power RF sources.