Particle accelerators use electric and magnetic fields to speed up and steer particle beams for scientific research and medical applications [1, 2, 3].
These machines allow scientists to conduct controlled experiments that probe the fundamental nature of matter. By manipulating particles at high speeds, researchers can uncover the building blocks of the universe and develop new medical treatments [1, 2].
Physicist Suzie Sheehy said the process through The Royal Institution, describing how these systems function as the backbone of modern physics. The process relies on a precise combination of forces to move particles through a vacuum. Electric fields are used to provide the acceleration, while magnetic fields are employed to steer and focus the beams [1, 2, 3].
Beyond theoretical physics, the technology has direct applications in healthcare. Accelerators are used to produce medical isotopes, and deliver targeted therapies to treat diseases [1, 2]. This versatility makes the technology essential for both the laboratory and the clinic.
Sheehy said the broader importance of the field in a separate discussion. "Particle physics is the foundation of it all," Sheehy said [4].
The ability to steer these beams with extreme precision allows for the collision of particles at high energies. These collisions mimic conditions from the early universe, providing a window into how matter formed. The Royal Institution's presentation highlights the intersection of complex engineering and theoretical discovery [1, 3].
“Particle physics is the foundation of it all.”
The integration of particle accelerators into both basic research and clinical medicine demonstrates a transition from theoretical discovery to practical application. By mastering the manipulation of subatomic particles, scientists can not only map the laws of physics but also create high-precision tools for cancer treatment and diagnostic imaging.
