Accelerator physics
From Free net encyclopedia
Accelerator physics deals with the problems of building and operating particle accelerators.
The experiments conducted with particle accelerators are not regarded as part of accelerator physics. These belong (according to the objectives of the experiments) to particle physics, nuclear physics, condensed matter physics, materials physics, etc. as well as to other sciences and technical fields. The types of experiments done at a particular accelerator and/or its other uses are largely constrained by the characteristics of the accelerator itself, such as energy (per particle), types of particles, beam intensity, beam quality, etc.
The motion of the particles in circular accelerators is often calculated using relativistic Hamiltonian mechanics. The motion of particles in linear accelerators and after leaving an accelerator is similar to Geometric optics. Magnetostatic, electromagnetic and electrostatic calculations are usually needed. Vacuum and sensor technologies are often important.