Körgyorsítók

Körgyorsítók, a Hungarian term, translates to "circular accelerators" in English. This category encompasses a type of particle accelerator where charged particles are accelerated in a closed path. Unlike linear accelerators, which propel particles in a straight line, circular accelerators utilize magnetic fields to bend the particle beam into a ring or a series of connected rings. This bending allows for the particles to be accelerated to very high energies within a relatively compact space, as they can pass through the accelerating sections multiple times.

The fundamental principle behind körgyorsítók involves the interplay of electric and magnetic fields. Electric fields are used to increase the kinetic energy of the particles, while magnetic fields are employed to guide them along their circular trajectory. As the particles gain energy, the magnetic field strength must be increased proportionally to maintain the same radius of curvature. This cyclic process of acceleration and bending is what distinguishes circular accelerators.

Common types of körgyorsítók include cyclotrons and synchrotrons. Cyclotrons use a constant magnetic field and an oscillating electric field. Synchrotrons, on the other hand, vary both the magnetic field and the frequency of the accelerating electric field as the particle energy increases, allowing them to reach much higher energies. These machines are crucial tools in fundamental physics research, medical applications like proton therapy, and materials science.