Hiukkassäteitä

Hiukkassäteitä, often translated as particle beams, refers to a stream of energetic particles traveling in a defined direction. These particles can be subatomic, such as electrons or protons, or larger atomic nuclei. The energy of these particles can vary greatly, from a few electronvolts to extremely high energies measured in teraelectronvolts.

The production of particle beams typically involves specialized equipment called particle accelerators. These devices use electric and magnetic fields to propel charged particles to high speeds. For neutral particles, different methods of generation and manipulation are employed.

Particle beams have a wide range of applications across various scientific and technological fields. In fundamental physics research, they are crucial for colliding particles to study their structure and interactions, leading to discoveries like the Higgs boson. In medicine, particle beams are used in radiation therapy to treat cancer, targeting tumors with precision while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The electron beam lithography technique is essential for manufacturing integrated circuits. Furthermore, particle beams find use in materials science for analysis and modification, as well as in industrial processes like welding and sterilization. The control and manipulation of these beams are complex, requiring sophisticated diagnostic tools and beam transport systems.