In this paper, the design of a compact C-band SLED RF Pulse Compressor for a Very High Electron Energy (VHEE) FLASH machine is presented. A spherical cavity RF pulse compressor - selected because of its compactness and relative ease of fabrication - is adopted to compress the 5 𝜇s RF pulse, down to 1 𝜇s obtaining a peak power gain greater than 5. Both the RF and thermo-mechanical design have been carried out, including a sensitivity study to evaluate the mechanical tolerances, possible tuning methods, and the cooling system. The main parameters of the full RF design (spherical storage cavity + mode converter/polarizer) and the final mechanical design of the structure are presented.

FLASH Therapy, a novel cancer treatment technique, aims to control the tumor-grown sparing the healthy tissue from radiation damage, increasing the therapeutic index. Translating FLASH therapy into clinical practice, especially for treating deep-seated tumors, necessitates achieving Very High Electron Energy (VHEE) levels within the 50-150 MeV range [2]. In the framework of the SAFEST project [3–7], Sapienza University, in collaboration with INFN, is actively developing a compact C-band linac demonstrator at the energy of 24 MeV (loaded) with a 100 mA peak current. This paper provides insights into the design strategy and electromagnetic characteristics, focusing on prototype testing and tuning conducted at the Sapienza Accelerator Laboratory. The progress of this innovative linac represents a step toward realizing an advanced FLASH VHEE source in cancer treatment.