The KN-3000 particle accelerator control expert system (PACES)

The features and utility of the PACES (particle accelerator control expert system) artificial intelligence accelerator controller are demonstrated. PACES is a computer-based operator aid retrofitted to a model KN-3000 Van de Graaff accelerator, that is used during the start-up, steady state, and shut-down phases of the accelerator. Using PACES, the operator can control the accelerator through a graphical control panel, or call upon an expert system to perform automatic start-up or shut-down. PACES automatically stabilizes and optimizes particle beam parameters. PACES is also able to detect, diagnose, and respond to operating faults, such as high-voltage sparks, vacuum system failure, or loss of source gas.<
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