Development of systems and elements of new generation accelerators at JINR, applied research at electron accelerators, JINR participation in the development of projects of international accelerator complexes and colliders, JINR participation in the development of the concept of establishment a pilot scientific and clinical center for proton therapy.

Brief annotation and scientific rationale:

In the coming years it is planned to create a prototype of the cyclotron and develop equipment for studying the Flash irradiation technique. The experience of joint development of the medical cyclotron SC200 in Hefei (Hefei, China) in the JINR ASIPP Collaboration (Hefei, China) will make it possible to create a source of intense proton beam, and the experience of conformal therapy treatment accumulated in the JINR Medical and Technical Complex LNR opens up possibilities to modernize the equipment for precise control and delivery of high dose rate for studies of the Flash therapy method.

The relevance of the project focused on modeling of the cyclotron and its systems is primarily due to the importance of creating an accelerator for proton therapy by the most modern methods, characterized by a unique beam intensity, as well as the relevance of medical and biological research to be carried out in the innovation center.

Creation of a superconducting proton cyclotron MSC-230 (together with NIIEFA (Rosatom State Corporation)). The cyclotron should provide a current of up to 10 μA with a proton energy of 230 MeV. MSC-230 may become the first model for a series of specialized medical accelerators of this type. The launch of MSC-230 is scheduled for end of 2024.

Expected results upon completion of the project:

A working prototype of a cyclotron with beam parameters sufficient for testing equipment and treating patients with modern methods of proton therapy.

Expected results of the project this year:

Study of the performance of individual cyclotron systems, in particular the test superconducting coil and proton source. 

Expected results of the activity upon completion:

Research of various “transparent” photocathodes (primarily carbon-based), creation of a second beam on a photogun stand with a 213 nm laser, development of a photoinjector stand: increasing the electron energy to 150 keV, development of radiation safety, blocking and control systems.

Expected results of the activity in the current year:

Fabrication of the nanostructured carbon photocathodes and investigation of their electrophysical properties (λ = 213 / 266 nm). Assembling of the pepper-pot emittance measurement system main components for the photoinjector bench. Vacuum system assembling and pumping. Design, fabrication and assembling of a cryopump for the bench vacuum system. Assembling, tuning and calibration of the nanosecond range high-sensitivity electron bunch charge sensor prototype. Bench startup with the energy of 120 keV.

Brief annotation and scientific rationale:

The Federal Medical and Biological Agency (FMBA) of Russia expressed its intention to take part together with JINR in the development of a joint concept (and in the future, a project) for the establishment of a pilot scientific and clinical center for proton therapy on the basis of the existing medical center No. 9 of the FMBA in Dubna and based on the MSC-230 accelerator being created at JINR. The objectives of the center will be development of modern methods and technologies of radiation therapy, medical technologies and diagnostics for the use of radiation therapy, advanced scientific research in the field of radiobiology, experimental irradiation and further treatment of patients.

Expected results of the activity upon completion:

Preparation of the project for establishment a proton therapy center.

Expected results of the activity in the current year:

Development of medical and technical conditions for the project of establishment a proton therapy center.