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A cyclotron is a system that enhances the strength of charged particles or ions. E.O. Lawrence and M.S Livingston devised it in 1934 to investigate the nuclear structure. The cyclotron uses the combined effect of electric and magnetic fields to amplify the energy of charged particles. Cross fields are termed so since both fields are orthogonal to each other.
Charged particles accelerate away from the core of a cyclotron along a spiral path. A constant magnetic field holds these particles on a spiral path, while a quickly changing electric field accelerates them.
Construction of cyclotron device
The hollow metal cylinder is separated into two sections, D1 and D2. These two sections are called Dees. They are covered in an evacuated chamber and are kept separated from each other. A source of ions is placed at the core of the cylinder. It is placed between the two poles of a strong electromagnetic field, and these Dees are connected to the high-frequency oscillator. The diagram is shown below.
Working principle of the cyclotron
- A cyclotron uses a high-frequency AC voltage supplied between two hollow D-shape metal sheet electrodes which are termed as the Dees and these Dees are placed inside a vacuum chamber to accelerate a charged particle beam.
- These Dees are aligned side by side with a tiny gap between them, making a tubular chamber through which ions can move. Particles are pushed into this space’s core.
- The two Dees are placed between the electromagnetic poles. With the help of magnetic poles, an orthogonal static magnetic field (B) is delivered to the electrode plate.
- Because of the Lorentz force, which is orthogonal to the particle’s motion direction, the magnetic field causes the particle to move in a circle.
- Between these two Dees, a strong AC voltage is supplied. The voltage accelerates the particle by creating an oscillating electric field in the space between these two Dees.
- The voltage frequency is chosen so that the particle completes one circuit in a single cycle of the voltage. The frequency is set at cyclotron frequency to obtain this condition.
Frequency of the cyclotron
The frequency f of the cyclotron is given as
f=qB ⁄ 2πm
Where m is the mass of the charged particle, B is the magnetic field, and q is the electric charge of the particle.
For example: If the magnetic field is π ⁄ 4 tesla normal to the speed of the particle and the cyclotron frequency is 1600 hertz, find the mass of the particle.
Where m is the mass of the charged particle, B is the magnetic field, and q is the electric charge of the particle.
For example: If the magnetic field is π ⁄ 4 tesla normal to the speed of the particle and the cyclotron frequency is 1600 hertz, find the time period?
Lorentz force
If the force F is exerted by the electric field E and magnetic field B on a charged particle q that is moving with a velocity v. Then the electromagnetic force on the charged particle is known as Lorentz force. Then the equation of the electromagnetic force is given as
F=qE+qv ×B
Advantages of the cyclotron
A cyclotron is a device that increases the velocity and energy of the ion or particle.
1.Study of the electromagnetic wave
The accelerated particle emits electromagnetic radiation, known as cyclotron radiation. And this radiation will help us to understand the concept of electromagnetic waves (EM waves).
2.Nuclear physics
The accelerated particle has a very high speed. In nuclear physics, the speed of the accelerated particle accelerates near to the speed of the light and is used to understand physics.
3.Treatment of cancer
Cancer is a dangerous disease for humans. It is generally the growth of extra tissues. This accelerated particle is used to penetrate the tissue and kill the tumour in the human body.
Limitations of the cyclotron
- Because an electron’s mass is so little, it cannot be accelerated by a cyclotron.
- The neutral particle cannot be accelerated.
- Due to its high mass, it is unable to accelerate the positively charged particle (mass).
Conclusion
The cyclotron accelerates the particle to a specific speed based on the requirements. This is used to help treat cancer patients. The cyclotron device can be used to get the accelerated particle needed to grasp the notion of electromagnetic waves and nuclear physics.
