Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –
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How does a cyclotron work?
The process begins with charged particles, such as positive or negative ions, being ejected into the center of the cyclotron, from where they begin to move outward in a spiral path.
Inside the cyclotron are two hollow, D-shaped metal electrodes (called "dees") that are positioned between the poles of a large magnet. The magnetic field causes the particles to move in a circle, and the alternating electric field increases the energy of the particle each time it crosses the gap between the two dees. As the particles gain speed and energy, they continue to spiral outward from the center.
Once the particles reach the outer edge of the cyclotron, they are directed towards the target. The collision of the accelerated particles with the target can cause a nuclear reaction, resulting in the formation of radioactive isotopes.
Almost a century after their invention, cyclotrons are still in wide demand due to their reliability, efficiency and versatility.
While the task of all particle accelerators consists in increasing the energy of the particles, a goal they achieve in different ways.
Cyclotrons accelerate particles in a spiral path using a constant magnetic field and an alternating electric field. One of the main advantages of a cyclotron is its spiral design. It allows for continuous acceleration in a relatively small space. As a result, cyclotrons are typically more compact (often fitting into a room) and more affordable than other accelerators. They can be installed in hospitals or university laboratories without the need for large-scale infrastructure. Cyclotrons are also well suited for producing specific types of radioactive isotopes needed for medical imaging and cancer treatment, as well as other localized applications in research or industry.
Linear accelerators, or linacs, in turn accelerate particles using a series of electric fields along a straight trajectory. Linacs can be simpler in design than cyclotrons, but linear accelerators often require significantly more space to achieve the same energy levels. They are widely used in radiation therapy, where precisely directed beams are used to treat tumors. radiation.
Another type of accelerator is the synchrotron. This is a much larger and more complex facility used in national research centers. Like cyclotrons, synchrotrons direct particles in a circular path, but use alternating magnetic fields and radio-frequency acceleration. These devices can reach extremely high energies, making them suitable for research in particle physics, materials science, and even drug development. However, due to their size and cost, synchrotrons are generally used in national or international research centers rather than hospitals or small laboratories.
Each type of accelerator plays its own important role, but cyclotrons remain the most widely used and convenient to use for standard medical applications.
How are cyclotrons used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases?
Without cyclotrons, many of the tools, treatments and scientific discoveries that improve the quality of people's daily lives would not exist. Compact, efficient and relatively easy to operate, they are ideal for the production of medical radioisotopes — unstable atoms that emit radiation and are used to diagnose and treat cancer.
One important factor in the production of radioisotopes is the actual lifespan of the isotopes—that is, the time after production during which they remain radioactive and suitable for medical use.
Radioisotopes used in cancer treatments typically have a half-life of a few days, making them effective at killing cancer cells. They can also be transported from their production sites to hospitals and treatment centers in this short time.
At the same time, other diagnostic isotopes have extremely short half-lives – that is, they decay quickly, lose their effectiveness within a few hours, and cannot be transported over long distances.
Cyclotrons are valued for their ability to produce isotopes on-site or in close proximity to healthcare facilities, allowing patients to receive rapid, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
Medical imaging
Radiopharmaceutical scanning helps doctors accurately detect diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, and cardiovascular disease at an early stage. Early detection allows for improved diagnostics and more effective treatment planning.
Cancer Treatment
Cyclotrons are also used in cancer treatment, providing the production of special radioactive drugs for use in targeted radionuclide therapyThis type of treatment directs radiation directly at cancer cells, killing them with minimal damage to healthy tissue.
How are cyclotrons used today?
Cyclotrons play an important role in modern infrastructure, healthcare and scientific research.
There are currently thousands of cyclotrons in operation around the world, particularly in hospitals, cancer centers, and research facilities. As the demand for non-invasive diagnostic techniques such as PET and SPECT increases, there is a growing need for cyclotrons and research centers focused on producing radioisotopes without the use of uranium.
In the past, many medical radioisotopes were produced in nuclear reactors using uranium, which could create long-lived radioactive waste and raised concerns about nuclear and physical safety. In search of cleaner, safer ways to produce these important materials, countries are turning to cyclotrons, which can produce radioisotopes without using uranium.
A new generation of compact, low-power cyclotrons is making this technology accessible to smaller hospitals and institutions. Researchers continue to explore new applications of radioisotopes in environmental, materials science, and national security.
Although the basic operating principle of the cyclotron has remained unchanged since the 1930s, this vital technology continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of the 21st century.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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