Textbook reading about cyclotrons

[member 392791]

Hello,

I was looking at my textbook reading about cyclotrons, and I was confused about the Dees, as well as why is there a space in between the Dees? What measurement is made within that space between the Dees?

 

[technician]

A cyclotron is a particle (lets say electrons for now) accelerator.
The DEES are isolated from each other and an AC voltage is connected to the DEES.
The DEES are placed between the poles of a (large) magnet. The source of electrons it at the centre of the DEES and, because of the applied voltage, electrons will be drawn into one of the DEES. Within the DEES there is no electric force on the electrons, they are deflected into a circular path by the applied magnetic field. Effectively they travel in a semicircle and come back to the gap between the DEES. The AC voltage will have changed by a cycle and the electrons will be accelerated across the gap to enter the other DEE...travel in a semicircle to come back to the gap (with a larger radius because they are now faster)...the AC has changed...the process repeats.
Acceleration of electrons only occurs when they arrive at the gap between the DEES.
within the DEES electrons travel in semicircles, because of the magnetic field, of increasing radius.The electrons can pass around the DEES thousands of times (AC frequency) experiencing acceleration each rotation.

very much simplified description with no maths. If you are able to cope with the maths look into it !

 

[Bobbywhy]

technician has given an excellent description of operation of the basic cyclotron. One thing that he might have mentioned is the origin of the term "DEE". It is simply the shape of the electrodes...a "D".

 

[technician]

Thanks for that bobby. Another extension to this would be to point out that the DEE can eventually become a ring.
Hope the OP is interested to take it further !

 

[rezeew]

Hi there,

A cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator that uses a magnetic field to accelerate charged particles in a circular path. The Dees are two D-shaped metal chambers that are connected to an alternating current (AC) power source. The space between the Dees is where the particles travel and gain energy as they pass through the electric field created by the AC power source. The size of this space is determined by the radius of the Dees and is typically a few centimeters. The measurement made within this space is the energy gained by the particles as they pass through the electric field. This energy is crucial for accelerating particles to high speeds and is an essential component of the cyclotron's operation. I hope this helps clarify any confusion. Let me know if you have any other questions.