Different Kinds of Oscillating Field Particle Accelerators
There is More Than Just One Way to Accelerate Subatomic Particles
Linear Particle Accelerators
With linear particle accelerators, particles are shot in a straight line towards a particular target. These are sometimes used to give an extra kick to particles before entering them into a circular accelerator as well. The longest one of these in the world is 2 miles in length and collides electrons and positrons. Most of these accelerators work with charged plates that attract the particles forward through the tube and then change polarity so that they force them forward to the next plate. These types of accelerators are also used in medical fields for radiotherapy.
Circular Particle Accelerators
In a circular accelerator, particles gain speed in energy by moving in a circle. The invention of circular accelerators made for more efficient and more powerful acceleration in a smaller area. Because the particles can be accelerated continuously they can reach higher speeds faster. A disadvantage of circular accelerators is that they give off synchrotron radiation towards the center of the circle as they circle over and over again. The speed of particles is measured by scientists not as a speed but as energy because matter by definition is not able to reach the speed of light.
Synchrotrons
To reach higher energy levels, physicists use a synchrotron. These figure-8 shaped particular accelerators helped to make up for radiation problems of circular particle accelerators and are the accelerators that reach the highest energy levels. These also have a much narrower magnetic pole than other accelerators. These special devices give us more control than ever over the beams of particles, allowing us to even keep them going for long periods if we wish.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Particle_accelerator
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J G Hodnette is a student of English at Auburn University who enjoys writing. He enjoys watching and reviewing movies so that others will be able to use their precious free time wisely. View profile
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3 Comments
Post a CommentVery nice.... :o)
Interesting read.
Great work.