cyclotron

[ sahy-kluh-tron, sik-luh- ]

noun

, Physics.

1. an accelerator in which particles are propelled in spiral paths by the use of a constant magnetic field.

cyclotron

/ ˈsaɪkləˌtrɒn /

noun

1. a type of particle accelerator in which the particles spiral inside two D-shaped hollow metal electrodes placed facing each other under the effect of a strong vertical magnetic field, gaining energy by a high-frequency voltage applied between these electrodes

cyclotron

/ sī′klə-trŏn′ /

1. A type of particle accelerator that accelerates charged subatomic particles, such as protons and electrons, in an outwardly spiraling path, greatly increasing their energies. Cyclotrons are used to bring about high-speed particle collisions in order to study subatomic structures.
2. Compare linear acceleratorSee also synchrocyclotronSee Note at particle accelerator

cyclotron

1. The first kind of particle accelerator built.

Notes

Cyclotrons are now used for special research projects.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyclotron¹

First recorded in 1930–35; cyclo- + -tron

Example Sentences

They acquired some old scintillators from a lab in Hamburg, leftover particle detectors from Los Alamos National Laboratory, and radiation-blocking iron slabs first used in a cyclotron at Columbia University in the 1950s.

From Quanta Magazine

Element 43 was "made" for the first time as a result of bombarding molybdenum with deuterons in the Berkeley cyclotron.

From Project Gutenberg

Finally they strike a target inserted into their path or are extracted from the cyclotron for use as an external beam.

From Project Gutenberg

The number of revolutions that an ion can make in a conventional cyclotron is limited to about 70 to 100.

From Project Gutenberg

Before attempting to discuss this principle, we should first review the operation of a conventional cyclotron.

From Project Gutenberg

Ions above the midplane of the cyclotron are directed downward; those below the midplane are directed upward.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accelerator