Full Description
This book explores the physics, technology and applications of particle accelerators. It illustrates the interconnections between applications and basic physical principles, enabling readers to better understand current and upcoming technologies and see beyond the paradigmatic borders of the individual fields. The reader will discover why accelerators are no longer just toys for scientists, but have also become modern and efficient nuclear workhorses. The book starts with an introduction to the relevant technologies and radiation safety aspects of accelerating electrons and ions from several keV to roughly 250 MeV. It subsequently describes the physics behind the interactions of these particle beams with matter. Mathematical descriptions and state-of-the-art computer models of energy-loss and nuclear interactions between the particle beams and targets round out the physics coverage. On this basis, the book then presents the most important accelerator applications in science, medicine,and industry, explaining and comparing more than 20 major application fields, encompassing semiconductors, cancer treatment, and space exploration. Despite the disparate fields involved, this book demonstrates how the same essential technology and physics connects all of these applications.
Contents
Technology.- Vacuum.- Accelerators.- Ion and electron optics.- Ion sources.- Detectors.- Targets.- Radiation protection.- Interaction of particles and matter.- Absorption and reaction of photons.- Stopping power and range of ions and electrons.- Nuclear reactions and activation.- Depth-dependent reaction kinematics.- Computer modeling.- Particle generation with accelerators.- Reaction cross sections.- Neutrons.- Photons.- Particles of the standard model and antimatter.- Technical applications.- Generation of α-β-γ emitters.- Radiotracers.- Material modification.- Plasma applications.- Nuclear medicine.- Radiation therapy.- Diagnostics.- Material testing.- Ion, electron and photon beam analysis.- Neutron-based material analysis.- Radiation damage.- Heat and particle loading tests.- Energy production and storage.- Spallation.- Nuclear storage.- Accelerator fusion.
