X-Ray Emission from Synchrotrons vs. Cyclotrons

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the differences in X-ray emission between electrons in synchrotrons and protons in cyclotrons, exploring the underlying physics of synchrotron radiation and its implications for particle accelerators.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why accelerating electrons emit X-rays while accelerating protons do not, noting both are accelerating charges.
  • Another participant explains that the emission power of synchrotron radiation is significantly higher for electrons due to the relativistic Lorentz factor γ, which scales to the fourth power, suggesting that 10 GeV electrons radiate much more than 10 GeV protons.
  • This same participant mentions that protons do emit synchrotron radiation, particularly highlighting concerns about proton synchrotron radiation at the LHC, where it can lead to issues with vacuum pressure and beam loss.
  • A different participant asserts that protons do emit radiation when accelerated, but the power emitted is much lower than that of electrons at the same energy.
  • References to external sources are provided by participants to support their claims regarding synchrotron radiation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the extent of synchrotron radiation emitted by protons compared to electrons, with some asserting that protons do emit radiation but at a much lower power, while others emphasize the practical implications of this emission in high-energy contexts like the LHC. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the comparative significance of synchrotron radiation from protons.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the conditions under which synchrotron radiation is emitted and the specific contexts of particle acceleration in synchrotrons versus cyclotrons.

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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