Linear particle accelerator
Linear particle accelerator
A Linear particle accelerator (pronounced: /ˈlɪn.i.ər ˈpɑːr.tɪ.kəl ækˈsɛləreɪtər/), often shortened to linac, is a type of particle accelerator that accelerates charged subatomic particles or ions to a high speed by subjecting them to a series of oscillating electric potentials along a linear beamline.
Etymology
The term "Linear particle accelerator" is derived from the linear (straight-line) path that particles follow in this type of accelerator, in contrast to the circular path in a cyclotron or synchrotron.
Function
In a linear particle accelerator, the particles are accelerated in a straight line. The acceleration is achieved by the use of oscillating electric fields that are timed to match the speed of the particles. As the particles gain energy, they move faster and can be accelerated further. This process continues until the particles reach the desired energy level.
Applications
Linear particle accelerators have a wide range of applications. They are used in physics research to study the properties of particles and the fundamental forces of nature. In medicine, they are used in radiation therapy to treat cancer, where they are known as medical linear accelerators (linacs). They are also used in industry for materials testing and processing.
Related Terms
- Particle accelerator
- Subatomic particle
- Ion
- Cyclotron
- Synchrotron
- Radiation therapy
- Medical linear accelerator
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Linear particle accelerator
- Wikipedia's article - Linear particle accelerator
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