
linear accelerators
A linear accelerator (linac) is a machine that uses electromagnetic fields to accelerate charged particles, like electrons, in a straight line. Typically used in medical treatments, such as radiation therapy for cancer, linacs deliver high-energy beams to target tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. They can also be used in research and industry for materials testing and particle physics studies. The technology relies on precise control of particle speeds and energies, making it a key tool in both medical and scientific applications.