LINAC for Cancer Treatment

badgers

Does a LINAC that is used for cancer treatment using beta particles?
http://www.varian.com/orad/prd055.html

thanks

humanino

No, they usually use light ions, carbon isotopes for instance.

imabug

linacs used for radiation therapy produce electron beams. There is some work being done using proton beams, but these are usually at research facilities with access to larger accelerators.

badgers

does electron beam mean beta particles?

I am very new to this stuff. I seem to find on wikipedia that it is but I want to be sure I get it.

thanks

meopemuk

Yes, electrons and beta particles are the same things.

badgers

thank you for your time and have a good day

Nariad

You can read more about cancer treatement using particle physics at: Neutrons for Cancer Treatement
http://www.symmetrymagazine.org/cms/?pid=1000102

and for Alzheimer at:
http://www.symmetrymagazine.org/cms/?pid=1000308

Adrian Buzatu, Clubul Fizica Particulelor
http://fizicaparticulelor.ro