Evaluation of Open Waveguide RF Hazard RT May*, Jefferson Lab

Abstract: Radiofrequency (RF) radiation is used in particle accelerators to develop electromagnetic fields in resonant cavities coupled to the RF source. Particles passing through the aperture in a resonant cavity are accelerated by the electric field and deflected by the magnetic field. Accelerator staff manage RF exposure hazards by using a robust combination of engineered safeguards and administrative controls - much like other industrial hazards. Consequently, direct exposure to RF (from an open wave guide, for example) is an extremely unlikely scenario. However, it is important to eliminate any scenario that might lead to such an event and it is instructive to evaluate the prompt somatic effects. This presentation discusses one possible scenario by which hazardous RF exposure can occur at a particle accelerator and the possible outcomes.