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Treasures of Science: Why are there more than 30,000 particle accelerators in the world?
In today's scientific community, particle accelerators are regarded as key tools for exploring the structure of matter and the mysteries of the universe. These eye-catching devices use electromagnetic fields to accelerate charged particles to extremely high speeds and energies and focus them precisely into beams. Although the design and usage scenarios of each particle accelerator are different, the research and application potential they bring is unparalleled.
There are currently approximately 30,000 particle accelerators in the world, of which only about 1% are used for research, making this number particularly alarming.
Particle accelerators have a wide range of applications. In addition to being used in basic research in physics, they can also be used in the biomedical industry, such as particle therapy for cancer, or the production of radioactive isotopes for medical diagnosis. In addition to medical uses, particle accelerators are also widely used in semiconductor manufacturing, industrial processing, and basic scientific research. These diverse applications make accelerators an indispensable infrastructure for modern technology and research, attracting researchers around the world to continue investing resources and energy.
Different types of particle accelerators
Particle accelerators can be divided into two major categories: electrostatic accelerators and dynamic accelerators. Electrostatic accelerators rely on static electric fields to propel charged particles, while dynamic accelerators accelerate through changing electromagnetic fields. This type of separation not only affects the design of the accelerator, but also directly determines the scope and effect of its use.
The basic design of modern large-scale accelerators is mostly derived from the electric acceleration technology developed in the 1920s.
Scientific exploration of particle accelerators
In particle physics, scientists study the interactions between elementary particles. They are trying to uncover the most cutting-edge mysteries of matter through high-energy particle collisions. Take the Large Hadron Collider operated by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Switzerland as an example. This accelerator with the highest energy in the world has been conducting important physical research since 2009, helping researchers explore the Many elementary particles including dice.
Potential for medical applications
In the medical field, particle accelerators are mainly used for cancer treatment. For example, particle therapy, which uses proton beams to bombard tumor cells to kill cancer cells, has become a new technology in cancer treatment and has effectively improved the accuracy and efficiency of treatment. Such technology shows that particle accelerators are not only powerful tools for scientific research, but also an important tool for improving public health.
Future development direction
As technology advances, particle accelerators are facing opportunities for innovation and improvement. Scientists continue to look for more efficient and flexible designs to support growing research needs. In the days to come, particle accelerators may play a key role in more untapped fields. For example, in high-energy physics, nuclear medicine, and even quantum computing, particle accelerators may become indispensable tools.
Science has no limits. How will particle accelerators develop in the future?
