High Power Electrostatic Accelerator in Argentina

A. J. KREINER; M. F. DEL GROSSO

Conferencia; UCANS III; 2012

We describe an ongoing activity at the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) in Argentina to develop low energy (0.2 to 2.5 MeV), high current (50 mA) proton and deuteron electrostatic accelerators for nuclear and medical purposes. Argentina has had, since the 1950sm a rather consistent policy regarding the development of an autonomous capacity in the field of nuclear power and reactor technology. As a logical consequence, in the last few years it was decided to follow a similar path as far as accelerator technology is concerned, given the possible future implications for the nuclear sector of accelerator-driven systems (ADS).  A natural route is to start in the field of ADS?s by developing an accelerator- based neutron source to eventually inject a subcritical assembly. In addition, CNEA is heavily involved in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) and the presenting group has under its responsibility the development of accelerator technology for Accelerator- Based BNCT (AB-BNCT). The present status and recent progress of the Argentine project will be presented.