TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Spectrometer Purposed for Accelerator Testing and Characterization (SPATC)

Scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory developed the Spectrometer Purposed for Accelerator Testing and Characterization (SPATC) — a portable, easy-to-use device that allows the safe measurement of the power and energy of electron beams from particle accelerators, helping labs test and fine-tune equipment more efficiently.

How it Works:

SPATC uses a smart, compact design to deliver high-precision beam diagnostics conveniently. At its core, SPATC employs two precisely controlled aluminum wedges that slide together to vary thickness, allowing engineers to analyze how an electron beam’s energy interacts with the material. As the beam passes through these layers, sensors record how much energy is absorbed versus transmitted, and a graphite block captures the remaining beam for accurate current readings. Controlled remotely via computer, SPATC provides real-time data on beam energy and current—without breaking vacuum or requiring complex setup. Designed for flexibility and speed, it offers industries a reliable, low-cost, and portable solution to ensure accelerator performance meets exacting standards for research, manufacturing, or medical applications.

Key Advantages:

• Portable and Compact: Fits into a single rugged case for easy transport and setup at any facility.
• Fast, Accurate Measurements: Determines beam energy and current in under an hour, minimizing downtime.
• Remote Operation: Fully controllable from outside the accelerator vault, improving safety and efficiency.
• Non-invasive Testing: Performs measurements in open air without breaking the accelerator’s vacuum.
• Precision Engineering: Stepper motor-driven wedges provide fine control over measurement thickness for high accuracy.
• Enhanced Safety: Reduces radiation exposure by eliminating the need for manual adjustments near the beam.

Market Applications:

• Medical and Radiation Therapy Facilities: Ensures precise calibration of electron beams used in cancer treatment systems.
• Industrial Accelerator Operations: Enables quick verification of beam performance for material processing, sterilization, and imaging.
• Research Laboratories and Universities: Provides affordable, portable diagnostics for accelerator-based experiments.
• Accelerator Manufacturers: Offers a built-in quality assurance tool for testing and characterizing new accelerator systems.
• Defense and Security Applications: Supports beam validation in systems used for cargo inspection or nondestructive testing.
• Equipment Service and Maintenance Providers: Allows on-site testing and troubleshooting of accelerators without large diagnostic setups.

Development Status: TRL 7

US Patent Pending

LA-UR-26-27021

LANL Tech Partnerships: Unlock the Innovative Potential

Los Alamos National Laboratory offers a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that may provide your company with a competitive edge in the market and unlock the innovative potential that can enhance, refine, and revolutionize your products.

LANL’s licensing program focuses on moving inventions developed by our researchers to commercial innovations. Patented and patent pending inventions and copyrighted software are available to existing and start-up companies through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. For specific discussions, please contact licensing@lanl.gov.

Note: This is not a call for external services for the development of this technology.

https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/feynman-center/partner-with-us/licensing-technology

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