Distributed charge Compton systems and the path to precision detection and selective treatment of cancer

A distributed charge Compton scattering (DCCS) architecture that creates both clinically-relevant beams of ultra-bright, tunable, x-rays and clinically-relevant beams of very high energy electrons (VHEE) is presented. Underpinning this unique system is a laser pulse synthesis technology which utilizes the x-band (11.424 GHz) RF clock of a compact, high-gradient accelerator to create 11.424 GHz trains of picosecond laser pulses. This approach results in improved electron beam emittance, maximum electron beam current, reduced x-ray bandwidth, inherent synchronization between the laser & electron beam subsystems, and maximum average x-ray brilliance. An existing DCCS system in Irvine, CA will be reviewed. That system has produced record x-ray flux at above 100 keV, record x-ray image resolution at 100 keV, record x-ray bandwidth from a Compton source, and has demonstrated rapid, precision tuning and element-specific imaging. The machine’s accelerator subsystem has also been used to produce VHEE beams of sufficient energy and charge to enable FLASH radiotherapy and clinical studies. Potential cancer-related applications will be introduced.