Is a 2 Tesla magnetic field strong enough for a 5cm cyclotron design?

In summary, the conversation discusses the necessary velocity and magnetic field strength needed to capture a charged particle in a 5cm lab size circle. The calculated radius for a sodium ion with a velocity of 183234 m/s and a magnetic field of 2 Tesla is 0.0218m. The speaker questions if they made an error, as the required potential seems too large. The conversation also mentions the range of magnetic field strengths for different objects and the strongest seen in a small cyclotron was 9 T. Using a potential of 1000V and a magnetic field of 0.2T, the calculated radius is 0.109m, which is in the ballpark of the desired size.
  • #1
Mentz114
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I'm trying to work out what velocity and magnetic field strength one needs to capture the charged particle in a circle of comfortable lab size - say 5cm ( 0.05m).

For a sodium ion ( mass = 3.8175407 × 10-26 kg) with charge q = 1.60217653 x 10 -19 , velocity 183234 m/s, C in a magnetic field of 2 Tesla the radius of the circle ##R=mv/qB## is 0.0218m.

The velocity requires a 4000v potential and seems a bit big. Have I made an error ?

[I'm not actually building a cyclotron, just a magnetic deflector.]
 
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  • #2
2 Tesla is a huge field. (And please, significant figures!)
 
  • #3
Vanadium 50 said:
2 Tesla is a huge field. (And please, significant figures!)

My understanding of magnetic field strength comes from this
Code:
      Smallest value shielded        10^-14 Tesla      10^-10 Gauss
      Interstellar space                  10^-10 Tesla      10^-6 Gauss
      Earth's magnetic field           0.00005 Tesla      0.5 Gauss
      Small bar magnet                 0.01 Tesla      100 Gauss
      Within a sunspot                   0.15 Tesla      1500 Gauss
      Small NIB magnet                0.2 Tesla      2000 Gauss
      Big electromagnet                1.5 Tesla      15,000 Gauss
      Strong lab magnet                10 Tesla      100,000 Gauss
      Surface of neutron star        10^8 Tesla        10^12 Gauss
      Magstar                                10^10 Tesla      10^15 Gauss
and the strongest I saw in a (small) cyclotron was 9 T.

With U = 1000V, B = 0.2T one gets R = 0.109m

In the ball park ( absent errors ).

(sorry about the redundant digits )
 
Last edited:

1. What is a cyclotron?

A cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator that uses an alternating electric field to accelerate charged particles in a circular path. It is used in research and medical facilities to produce high-energy particles for various applications.

2. How does a cyclotron work?

A cyclotron works by using a combination of electric and magnetic fields to accelerate charged particles, typically protons or electrons, in a spiral path. The particles are injected into the center of the cyclotron and then guided by the alternating electric field towards the edges of the device where they gain energy. This process is repeated until the particles reach the desired energy level.

3. What are the main components of a cyclotron?

The main components of a cyclotron include the magnet, which produces a strong magnetic field to guide the particles in a circular path, and the accelerating electrodes, which create the alternating electric field to accelerate the particles. Other components include the ion source, which produces the particles to be accelerated, and the vacuum chamber, which maintains a low-pressure environment for the particles to travel through.

4. What are the benefits of using a cyclotron?

Cyclotrons have a number of benefits, including their ability to produce high-energy particles for various research and medical applications. They are also compact in size and do not require a large amount of energy to operate, making them cost-effective and efficient. Additionally, cyclotrons are able to produce a continuous beam of particles, making them ideal for applications that require a steady source of high-energy particles.

5. What are some applications of cyclotrons?

Cyclotrons have a wide range of applications, including medical imaging and cancer treatment, materials research, and nuclear physics research. They are also used in the production of radioisotopes for various medical and industrial purposes. Additionally, cyclotrons can be used to study the effects of high-energy particles on materials and to test the effects of radiation on living organisms.

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