Cyclotron
Cyclotron
Cyclotron (pronounced: /ˈsaɪ.kləˌtrɒn/) is a type of particle accelerator invented by Ernest O. Lawrence in 1932. The cyclotron makes use of a constant magnetic field and a constant frequency electric field to accelerate charged particles.
Etymology
The term "Cyclotron" is derived from the Greek word "κύκλος" (kyklos) meaning "circle" and the English suffix "-tron" meaning "instrument". The name reflects the circular path that particles follow in this type of accelerator.
Operation
In a cyclotron, charged particles are injected into the center of two hollow "D"-shaped metal electrodes, called "dees". An alternating voltage applied to the dees accelerates the particles. The particles move in a spiral path, exiting the cyclotron at its circumference.
Applications
Cyclotrons have many applications in scientific research, medicine, and industry. They are used in particle physics to investigate the properties of atomic nuclei, in medicine for radiotherapy and in the production of radioisotopes for medical imaging, and in industry for materials testing and treatment.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cyclotron
- Wikipedia's article - Cyclotron
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski