What Is a Linear Accelerator?
A linear accelerator, often abbreviated as LINAC, is a sophisticated device engineered to propel charged particles along a straight trajectory to high speeds.
Within its vacuum-sealed chamber, charged particles are exposed to accelerating structures that impart significant energy through the application of high-frequency or microwave electric fields. This process effectively boosts the particles’ velocity and kinetic energy as they traverse these structures. Thanks to its linear configuration and refined operational controls, a linear accelerator is capable of producing a particle beam tailored to precise energy levels and directional aims.
This precision finds critical application in medical treatments, notably in oncology for targeting cancerous tumors with beams of high-energy particles. The beam’s acute focus on the tumor site allows for the concentrated delivery of therapeutic radiation, thereby maximizing the damage to malignant cells while sparing adjacent healthy tissues from undue exposure.