Accelerator and Beams - Tools for Discovery and Innovation

In summary: This equation is correct, but it's a bit more complicated than that. Basically, the energy is converted to mass (or vice versa), and then the mass is converted to energy.
  • #1
ZapperZ
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The Division of Physics of Beams of the American Physical Society (APS) has produced this wonderful brochure titled "http://www.aps.org/units/dpb/upload/brochure.pdf" ". It essentially describe what a particle accelerator is, and more importantly, what it is used for.

The main purpose here is to eliminate the wrong myth that "particle accelerator" automatically means "particle collider" in high energy physics. Nothing could be further than the truth, and hopefully, someone reading this brochure will get the idea that the MAJORITY of the application for a particle accelerator has NOTHING to do with high energy physics.

A supplement for this brochure is a useful article written a while back by Michael Turner titled "http://scitation.aip.org/journals/doc/PHTOAD-ft/vol_56/iss_9/10_1.shtml" ", that essentially tried to convey the same message.

Zz.
 
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  • #2
Here is a free downloadable book on the "Principles of Charged Particle Acceleration" by Stanley Humphries. warning: large file -11.3 MB
http://www.fieldp.com/cpa.html
Or you can get a used one from Amazon.com for $75.00
 
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  • #3
Bob S said:
Here is a free downloadable book on the "Principles of Charged Particle Acceleration" by Stanley Humphries. warning: large file -11.3 MB
http://www.fieldp.com/cpa.html
Or you can get a used one from Amazon.com for $75.00

Thanks for the link, it looks like good read. i just started reading the introduction and on page 3 Humphries states that " magnetic forces cannot affect a particles kinetic energy".
1 question.
Do the photons of synchrotron radiation not carry away/convert the kinetic energy of the particle?
 
  • #4
scupydog said:
Thanks for the link, it looks like good read. i just started reading the introduction and on page 3 Humphries states that " magnetic forces cannot affect a particles kinetic energy".
1 question.
Do the photons of synchrotron radiation not carry away/convert the kinetic energy of the particle?
You are correct in that sunchrotron radiation is a direct consequence of the F = q(v x B) (Lorentz) force. I think the author was trying to say is that since both B and F are orthogonal to v, no work is being done, and the force does not add to or subtract from the velocity.
Bob S
 
  • #5
thx for reply Bob, where does the energy come from for synchrotron radiation... is there a change in mass of the charged particle, or is the amount of energy needed for S.R. equal to the magnetic energy/force applied to the particle.
 
  • #6
scupydog said:
thx for reply Bob, where does the energy come from for synchrotron radiation... is there a change in mass of the charged particle, or is the amount of energy needed for S.R. equal to the magnetic energy/force applied to the particle.
The synchrotron radiation comes from the deflection of positrons or electrons in bending magnets. it orthogonal to the velocity in the center of mass coord system, but is very forward radiation in the lab system, and comes from the particles' kinetic energy, which is replaced by RF cavities. I have seen potted copper coils on magnets turn black and crack by synchrotron radiation damage.
 
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Hi Bob i,m interested in acceleraters and have visited CERN do you work with acceleraters?
 
  • #8
scupydog said:
thx for reply Bob, where does the energy come from for synchrotron radiation... is there a change in mass of the charged particle, or is the amount of energy needed for S.R. equal to the magnetic energy/force applied to the particle.

Er... you should be very careful here not to use "E=mc^2" in this process. This is simply classical E&M. The electron (or electron bunch) is losing kinetic energy in such a process.

Zz.
 
  • #9
ZapperZ said:
Er... you should be very careful here not to use "E=mc^2" in this process. This is simply classical E&M. The electron (or electron bunch) is losing kinetic energy in such a process.Zz.

How about E2= (pc)2+ (m0c2)2 ?
 

What is an accelerator and how does it work?

An accelerator, also known as a particle accelerator, is a scientific instrument used to accelerate charged particles to high energies. This is achieved by using electromagnetic fields to push the particles along a specific path, increasing their speed and energy. The particles are then directed towards a target, where they can be used for various experiments and studies.

What are the benefits of using accelerators and beams in scientific research?

Accelerators and beams have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of matter and the laws of physics. They allow scientists to study particles and their interactions at high energies, which can reveal new insights into the structure and behavior of matter. These tools also have practical applications in fields such as medicine, materials science, and energy production.

What types of particles can be accelerated in an accelerator?

Accelerators can be used to accelerate a variety of charged particles, including electrons, protons, and ions. The type of particle used depends on the specific experiment or application. For example, electrons are commonly used in medical imaging, while protons are used in cancer treatment.

How are accelerators and beams used in innovation and technology?

Accelerators and beams have played a crucial role in technological advancements and innovation. They are used in the production of semiconductors for computer chips, in industrial processes for materials modification, and in imaging techniques for security and non-destructive testing. They also have potential applications in clean energy production and waste management.

How are accelerators and beams used in scientific discoveries?

Accelerators and beams have been fundamental in numerous scientific discoveries, such as the discovery of the Higgs boson and the creation of synthetic elements. They are also used in studies of the universe and its origins, as well as in understanding the properties of matter at the smallest scales. These tools continue to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.

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