What is electron cyclotron frequency?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the concept of electron cyclotron frequency, exploring its definition, underlying principles, and the context in which it is used, particularly in relation to magnetic fields. Participants seek to clarify the concept with minimal mathematical complexity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants describe electron cyclotron frequency as the number of revolutions per second of an electron.
  • One participant specifies that this frequency relates to an electron's orbit in a magnetic field, providing a formula involving elementary charge, magnetic field strength, and electron mass.
  • Another participant questions the terminology, asking what the electron is revolving around and why the term "cyclotron" is used.
  • A participant explains that the term "cyclotron" is commonly used for this type of motion, distinguishing it from other types of orbits, such as "guiding center" orbits.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and curiosity about the concept, with some agreement on the basic definition but uncertainty regarding the terminology and implications of the term "cyclotron." The discussion remains unresolved regarding the reasons behind the naming conventions.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions behind the definitions and the dependence on specific contexts, such as magnetic confinement devices. The mathematical relationships presented are not fully explored or resolved.

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Can somebody explain the electron cyclotron frequency with minimum math please.
thanks.
 
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It is the number of revolutions per second of the electron.
 
pam said:
It is the number of revolutions per second of the electron.

Thats it. Revolutions around what? the nucleus? why is it called the electron-cyclotron?
 
The electron cyclotron frequency refers to an electron's orbit in a magnetic field. The frequency of this orbit is given as eB/m where e is elementary charge, B is magnetic field strength and m is mass of electron. The radius of this orbit (either called the cyclotron radius or the Larmor radius) depends on the kinetic energy of the electron perpendicular to the magnetic field and is given by m*u_perp/(eB) where u_perp is the velocity of an electron perpendicular to the magnetic field.

Why it is called the "cyclotron" I am not sure. However, it is always called cyclotron when referring to this kind of motion, which is typically the smallest orbit and the highest frequency, as opposed to other "guiding center" orbits (e.g. magnetron) an electron can have in magnetic confinement devices.
 

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