Magnetic Effect of Current-Observations-Cyclotron

The cyclotron, which was invented in 1934 by E.O. Lawrence and M.S. Livingston, is a device that is known for accelerating charged particles or ions to extremely high energies. Both electric and magnetic fields are used to accelerate the particles as they travel through space. It is always perpendicular to each other when charged particles are inserted into a cyclotron, and the static magnetic field and direction of motion are parallel to each other. Despite the fact that both forces operate in the cyclotron, their applications are distinct.

What is a Cyclotron?

Cyclotron definition elucidates that it is the accelerator of charged particles (such as protons, deuterons, or ions) involving the application of an alternating electric field within a constant magnetic field.

Electric and magnetic fields are used in conjunction with one another in the cyclotron to increase the energy of charged particles. Crossed fields are so named because the fields are perpendicular to each other and, therefore, perpendicular to each other. The cyclotron takes advantage of the fact that the frequency of revolution of a charged particle in a magnetic field is independent of the energy of the particle.

Setting Up Cyclotron

• An electron cyclotron is a hollow metal cylindrical structure that is divided into two sections, designated as D1 and D2, that each has a different function. 
• These D1 and D2 sections are collectively referred to as dees, and they are enclosed within an evacuated chamber. 
• Both dees have a space between them that is filled with a source of ions, which they can use to communicate. 
• The dees are surrounded by a powerful electromagnet, and the magnetic field generated as a result acts at right angles to the planes of the dees. 
• Lastly, an oscillator that generates high-frequency alternating voltage is connected between the dees (D1) and (D2) to complete the construction.

Principle

In general, it operates on the assumption that a charged particle moving perpendicular to a magnetic field will encounter a magnetic force (Lorentz). A circular path is created by this force, which causes the particle to move.

Working of Cyclotron

• A source that emits a positive charge, q, and the mass of the particle, m, will always accelerate in the direction of the dees unless otherwise stated. 
• The particle accelerates and moves in the direction of the dee, which has a negative potential at that point. 
• It is caused by the normal magnetic field acting on a system in which the ion moves in a circular motion. 
• As they travel in a circular path, the ions eventually come to a point where they can pass through the gap in the dees. 
• Until then, the polarity of the dees is reversed, and the particle that has been reached moves in the opposite direction of the dee. 
• However, this time, the ion is accelerated at a high velocity and in a larger radius of the circle than previously observed. 
• A deflector plate is used to take out the accelerated particle when it reaches the edge of the chamber. 
• The process is repeated. This time, the accelerated particle has a high amount of energy and is permitted to hit the target. 

Cyclotron Frequency Equation 

It is possible to calculate the magnetic force acting on a charged particle (q) moving with a velocity (v) due to the presence of a uniform magnetic field (B) by applying this equation to the situation:

 F = qv x B 

When the moving particle’s velocity and the uniform magnetic field are at right angles to one another, the magnitude of the magnetic force is as follows –

F = qvB sin 90°……………. (1)

Given, sin 90° = 1, substituting value in eqn (1)

F = qvB

The acting force is always at a right angle to the velocity, as well as to the magnetic field that is being applied in this situation.

When the magnetic force acts as the required centripetal force for the circular path, the particle rotates as a result of the rotational force applied. Here is the centripetal force expression, with Fc as the magnitude of the force:

Fc = mν² / r

[m = particle mass;

r = circular path radius]

As a result, both forces (centripetal force and magnetic force) are equal to one another.

Fc = F

mν2 / r = qνB

ν = qBr / m

Cyclotron angular velocity represented as:

 ω = ν / r

On substitution of values:

ω = qB / m

Therefore, the formula of cyclotron frequency is represented as:

f = ω / 2π

f = qB / 2πm

Conclusion 

Cyclotron is a device which is used for producing high energy charge particles .When compared to linear accelerators, cyclotrons have a number of distinct advantages. They are advantageous in two ways: first, they take up less space, and second, they can accelerate particles multiple times in the same setup. Cyclotrons are used in a variety of nuclear physics experiments to accelerate the charged particles involved. Cyclotrons are also employed in the bombardment of atomic nuclei. The cyclotron is used in the treatment of cancer patients who require radiation therapy. Nuclear transmutation, also known as nuclear structure transformation, is a type of nuclear transformation in which cyclotrons are used.