Particle Acceleration Radiation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the radiation associated with particle accelerators, specifically comparing circular particle accelerators and electrostatic linear accelerators (LINACs). Participants explore the sources of radiation in these systems, particularly in the context of their applications in fields like radiotherapy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that radiation in circular accelerators is due to changes in velocity, while questioning if similar radiation occurs in electrostatic linear accelerators, primarily from beam-target interactions.
  • Others propose that the type of LINAC may influence radiation emission, particularly in radiotherapy applications where shielding is a concern.
  • One participant notes that electrons in a LINAC experience significant acceleration, which theoretically leads to radiation, although the specifics of the acceleration methods (e.g., resonant microwave cavities) may affect this.
  • Another participant asserts that all accelerating charges radiate, distinguishing between synchrotron radiation in circular orbits and radiation from linear acceleration, while highlighting the differences in intensity based on the type of accelerator.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature and sources of radiation in LINACs versus circular accelerators, with no consensus reached on the specifics of radiation emission in electrostatic accelerators.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of radiation mechanisms and the potential influence of accelerator design on radiation characteristics, but do not resolve the implications of these factors.

Fullhawking
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I know there is radiation associated with circular particle accelerators because of the change in velocity and things of this nature. Would there be any radiation associated with an electrostatic linear accelerator? I think the only source would be from when the beam hits the target but I am not positive.
 
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I think it depends on the type of LINAC. In radiotherapy applications, there are shielding issues (obviously), but I'm not sure about the radiation emmission. I'll go and read some hardware manuals now...
 
I don't know anything definite, but it would seem to me that the electrons in a LINAC would be subject to fierce accelerations in order to bring them up to the target with the rated energy. And accelerated electrons _will_ radiate...
 
Originally posted by selfAdjoint
I don't know anything definite, but it would seem to me that the electrons in a LINAC would be subject to fierce accelerations in order to bring them up to the target with the rated energy. And accelerated electrons _will_ radiate...


but arn't the methods different? In the LINACS' we use here in the hospital, they use resonant microwave cavities in order to accelerate electrons. I'm not sure if this makes a difference. In any case, there is shielding in place to at least hold on to the microwaves, but is there an alterior motive to the shielding.

The question remains..
 
Very interesting, I have done some additional looking on the internet but have not found anything really. I see the need for microwave shielding but electrostatic accelerators do not employ them.
 
ALL accelerating charges radiate. When they are confined (by magnetic fields) to circular orbits, they emit what's called "synchrotron radiation", but also when they are linearly accerated they radiate. However, you can easily work out that the acceleration of a relativistic electron of a few GeV on a circular orbit of a few hundred meters across is MUCH BIGGER than the acceleration of the same electron in the cavities of a linac. So the resulting electromagnetic radiation intensity is also different. BTW, have a look at a modern synchrotron, such as www.esrf.fr to find out how this radiation (X-rays) are used...

cheers,
Patrick.
 

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