Particle Accelerator Project: Building a Linear Accelerator or Cyclotron

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility and considerations of building a particle accelerator, specifically focusing on the choice between a linear accelerator and a cyclotron. Participants explore the suitability, complexity, and costs associated with each type of accelerator, as well as safety concerns related to such projects.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in building either a linear accelerator or a cyclotron and seeks advice on which to pursue as a starting project.
  • Questions are raised about the suitability of linear accelerators for accelerating heavier charged particles beyond electrons.
  • Concerns are mentioned regarding the complexity and cost of building a small cyclotron as a first project.
  • Another participant warns about the dangers of building an accelerator and suggests that the original poster may lack sufficient knowledge for a safe construction.
  • A participant notes that old CRT televisions function as linear electron accelerators, indicating that building a linear accelerator may be easier.
  • One participant shares their experience with a Van de Graaff accelerator and acknowledges the complexity and danger involved in building accelerators.
  • The thread concludes with a statement that advice on dangerous projects is not provided, leading to the closure of the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the dangers and complexities associated with building a particle accelerator. However, there is no consensus on which type of accelerator is more suitable for a beginner, as opinions vary on the feasibility of both linear accelerators and cyclotrons.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of experience and knowledge regarding accelerator construction, highlighting a lack of technical knowledge in the original poster. Safety concerns and the complexity of the projects are significant factors in the discussion.

rsilva.pt
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi!

I'm interested in building a particle accelerator... maybe a linear accelerator or a cyclotron.

What do you suggest as a starting project? The linear accelerator or the cyclotron?

About the linear accelerator, is it suitable only for electrons? Is it possible to build a small (and affordable) linear accelerator capable of accelerating heavier charged particles?

And about the cyclotron... is it too expensive and complex as a first accelerator project? What would be the cost of a small cyclotron?

I'd like to contact other accelerator enthusiasts who could help me.

Thank you :)
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Building an accelerator is dangerous. It's clear from your message that you don't know enough to build one successfully or safely. I'd recommend another project.
 
Hello, I agree with Vanadium 50.
However, old CRT televisions do accelerate electrons so they are infact linear electron accelerators. For the record: a linear accelerator would be far far easier to make.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Building an accelerator is dangerous. It's clear from your message that you don't know enough to build one successfully or safely. I'd recommend another project.

I'm aware that it is complex and dangerous... I've worked with a Van de Graaff accelerator before to perform some RBS studies when attending to a Nuclear Safety course.

I have no technical knowledge to build an affordable accelerator. That is why I'm asking for help.
 
rsilva.pt said:
Hi!

I'm interested in building a particle accelerator... maybe a linear accelerator or a cyclotron.

What do you suggest as a starting project? The linear accelerator or the cyclotron?

About the linear accelerator, is it suitable only for electrons? Is it possible to build a small (and affordable) linear accelerator capable of accelerating heavier charged particles?

And about the cyclotron... is it too expensive and complex as a first accelerator project? What would be the cost of a small cyclotron?

I'd like to contact other accelerator enthusiasts who could help me.

Thank you :)

rsilva.pt said:
I'm aware that it is complex and dangerous... I've worked with a Van de Graaff accelerator before to perform some RBS studies when attending to a Nuclear Safety course.

I have no technical knowledge to build an affordable accelerator. That is why I'm asking for help.

As explained, we do not give advice on dangerous projects here at the PF. Thread is closed.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Charged particle acceleration across a potential
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Graduate Usefulness of a low energy cyclotron
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Particle Accelerator with the Earth's diameter
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Effective ways of accelerating a 50 picogram particle
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Graduate Cyclotrons and particle ionisation
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Undergrad Questions about constructing a cyclotron
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate How can i build a homemade particle accelerator?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Undergrad Making World's Smallest MEMS Accelerometer
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Is this Linear Accelerator Design Valid?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Electrical Need advice on building a linear particle accelerator
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K