Cyclotron

Name:
Cyclotron
Detailed information:
A circular electromagnetic device for accelerating positively charged particles (protons, deuterons, alpha particles). It was invented in 1929 by E. O. Lawrence (1901–1958) at the University of California at Berkeley. It is now used chiefly for basic nuclear research. The acceleration is achieved by successive applications of small accelerations at low voltage synchronized with the rotational period of the particles in a magnetic field. Energies of over 700 MeV for protons and over 900 MeV for alpha particles have been attained. The energized particles emerging from the cyclotron impinge upon a target nucleus, resulting in formation of radioactive isotopes, neutrons, and ionizing radiation. The first plutonium was made in a cyclotron in 1939. Powerful cyclotrons with huge electromagnets are in use in physical research laboratories throughout the world.See Bombardment.