Linjakiihdyttimet

Linjakiihdyttimet, often translated as linear accelerators or linacs, are a type of particle accelerator. Instead of bending particles in a circle, linacs accelerate them in a straight line. This is achieved by a series of electric fields that are synchronized to provide a push to the charged particles as they pass through.

The basic principle involves a vacuum tube containing a sequence of electrodes, or accelerating structures. A high-frequency alternating voltage is applied to these electrodes. As the charged particles travel down the tube, they are accelerated by the electric fields. The voltage polarity is switched at precisely the right moments so that the particles are always propelled forward by an accelerating field.

Linjakiihdyttimet are used in a variety of applications. In scientific research, they are employed to accelerate electrons, protons, and other particles to high energies for fundamental physics experiments. They are also crucial in medicine, particularly in radiation therapy for cancer treatment. In this context, medical linacs produce high-energy X-rays or electron beams that are precisely targeted to destroy cancerous cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Industrial applications include sterilization of medical equipment and food, as well as materials modification.

There are different types of linjakiihdyttimet, varying in their design and the energy levels they can achieve. The accelerating structures can be drift tubes or resonant cavities. The choice of design depends on the type of particle being accelerated and the desired energy. Despite their straight-line design, some linjakiihdyttimet can be quite long, stretching for hundreds of meters to achieve very high particle energies.