Effects on the accelerating electron bunches due to the presence of sulfur hexafluoride or air in the linac waveguide

Abstract

Sulfur hexafluoride gas (SF6) is used as a dielectric insulator in the acceleration process of certain medical linear accelerator waveguides. Nevertheless, some innovative development and investigation cases require intervention in the linear accelerator or, specifically, on the waveguide, which could affect the sealing of the device. In this regard, vacuum sealing systems can be compromised, affecting the properties of the radiation beams produced. The presence of sulfur hexafluoride or air inside the VARIAN 6/100 waveguide was investigated under different pressure conditions and non-uniform electric fields, adapting Monte Carlo simulation techniques for modeling radiation transport coupled with electric fields. Obtained results indicated the suitability of the proposed approach, while comparisons with theoretical approaches and experimental evidence supported the model's consistency.