X-Ray Emission from Synchrotrons vs. Cyclotrons

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SUMMARY

Accelerating electrons in synchrotrons emit significant X-rays due to their relativistic Lorentz factor γ, which influences emission power to the fourth power. In contrast, while protons in cyclotrons also emit synchrotron radiation, the power emitted is orders of magnitude lower than that of electrons at the same energy levels. This discrepancy is critical in high-energy physics, particularly in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), where proton synchrotron radiation can lead to vacuum pressure increases and beam loss due to desorption of residual gas atoms from beam tube walls.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relativistic physics and the Lorentz factor γ
  • Familiarity with synchrotron radiation principles
  • Knowledge of particle acceleration mechanisms in synchrotrons and cyclotrons
  • Basic concepts of vacuum systems in high-energy physics experiments
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of synchrotron radiation on particle beams in the LHC
  • Study the design and operation of synchrotrons versus cyclotrons
  • Explore methods to mitigate vacuum pressure issues in high-energy physics experiments
  • Learn about the applications of synchrotron radiation in material science and imaging
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, engineers, and researchers involved in particle acceleration, high-energy physics experiments, and synchrotron radiation applications will benefit from this discussion.

oldmisery
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Why do accelerating electrons (synchrotron) emit x-rays, but accelerating protons (cyclotron) don't? Both are accelerating/decelerating charges.
 
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The emission power of synchrotron radiation depends on the relativistic Lorentz factor γ to the fourth power, so 10 GeV electrons radiate much more than 10 GeV protons, other factors being the same. See

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/particles/synchrotron.html

Protons do radiate synchrotron radiation. It is expected to be a serious problem in LHC at full energy (7 GeV per beam), because the proton synchrotron radiation is soft x-rays, that cause residual gas atoms adsorbed to the beam tube walls to desorb, causing a vacuum pressure rise and proton residual gas scattering and beam loss.

Bob S
 
Thanks to both for the reference, it's a great help.
 

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