Linear Accelerator Research Developing
High Energy Services Corp. has been conducting training in the use of linear accelerators in High Energy Field Radiography at Idaho State University.
The program is part of a $75,480 grant funded by former Gov. Cecil Andrus’ Eastern Idaho Technology Committee to facilitate technology transfer from the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory through Idaho State University.
The collaborative research and development with Idaho National Engineering Laboratory and High Energy Services of Redwood City, Calif., has been under way for several years.
High Energy Field Radiography refers to an ultrapowerful X-ray source that can look through up to 15 inches of steel or 48 inches of concrete. Portable linear accelerators, such as those being developed by High Energy Services, are being used for field radiography of very large objects such as bridges, highways, airplanes and railroad cars.
HESCO has reconfigured the linear accelerator to develop a portable accelerator that can be used in the industrial environment and in the field. Idaho State has built its own version of a portable accelerator as well as a larger fixed machine in the Particle Beam Laboratory.
During workshops at Idaho State, field radiography was conducted on valves and concrete implanted with rebar.
The HESCO officials’ visit is the culmination of a grant submitted last year on behalf of the Idaho Center for Small Accelerators at Idaho State.