Poster

PUBDB-2025-05665

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Commissioning of the new FLASHlab@PITZ Beamline Extension: First Results

Gross, M. (Corresponding author)DESY* ; Aftab, N.DESY* ; Aksoy, A.Extern*DESY* ; Aminzadeh Gohari, S.DESY* ; Amirkhanyan, Z. G.Extern*DESY* ; Dmytriiev, D.DESY* ; Good, J. D.DESY* ; Grebinyk, A.DESY* ; Hoffmann, A. ; Kalantaryan, D.DESY* ; Komar, Y.DESY* ; Krasilnikov, M.DESY* ; Li, X.DESY* ; Loisch, G.Extern*DESY* ; Lotfi, Z.DESY* ; Mueller, F.DESY* ; Oppelt, A.DESY* ; Pakluea, S.Extern*DESY* ; Richard, C. J.DESY* ; Riemer, F.DESY* ; Stephan, F.DESY* ; Tarakci, E.DESY* ; Vashchenko, G.DESY* ; Villani, D.Extern* ; Zeeshan, S.DESY*

2025

Abstract: Background and Aims:Over the past year a new beamline dedicated to R&D for electron FLASH cancer radiation therapy and radiation biology was set up at the Photo Injector Test facility at DESY in Zeuthen (PITZ). Utilizing the uniquely wide parameter range of the PITZ accelerator, the FLASH effect can be studied systematically for an extremely wide range of beam conditions. This should help to understand the mechanisms of the FLASH effect.Methods:The buildup of an electron beam delivery system for radiation therapy was done in a 2-step approach: in 2022 a preliminary beamline extension was realized, allowing a first set of experiments with a limited range of doses and dose rates available for CONV and UHDR irradiations. In 2025 the full beamline with optimized beam properties was built and commissioned.Results:Once, all beamline components were installed and connected, they are put into operation and are tested one by one and, finally, an electron beam will be delivered to the experimental station with a beam energy around 20 MeV. The bunch charge will be varied from ~1 pC to more than 1 nC. The beam size at the exit is controlled with quadrupole magnets installed in the new beamline section. Resulting irradiation parameters are characterized with dosimetric methods available at FLASHlab@PITZ, including gafchromic films, a diamond detector and an ionization chamber. This confirms the wide range of doses and dose rates available. Ongoing work is the implementation of a robotic arm for increased sample throughput and the installation of a SARRP.Conclusion:FLASHlab@PITZ is a new R&D platform for electron beam irradiation experiments, which is now capable of delivering ~20 MeV electrons into a flexible experimental area. Commissioning has started with beam transport to the experimental area and dosimetric characterization.

---

Contributing Institute(s):

1. Technologie (Z_PITZ)
2. Z_DET (Z_DET)
3. Laser Forschung und Entwicklung (FS-LA)
4. Datenverarbeitung (Z_DV)
5. Injektion (MIN)
6. Konstruktion (Z_ME)

Research Program(s):

1. 621 - Accelerator Research and Development (POF4-621) (POF4-621)

Experiment(s):

1. Photo Injector Test Facility

Appears in the scientific report 2025

---