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A particle accelerator uses electrical power to generate electromagnetic waves that accelerate charged particles, such as electrons, protons, or ions, to very high speeds. These particles are directed into experiments where they collide or interact to study fundamental physics or deliver treatment in medical applications. Vacuum systems are essential for reliably accelerating particles under ultra-high vacuum conditions, minimizing beam interference.
Vacuum systems in particle and medical accelerators are exposed to significant thermal loads during operation. High-energy beams and surrounding parts often generate high temperatures, especially in continuous or pulsed beam environments. To ensure system stability, cooling systems are integrated into vacuum chambers and components to manage heat and reduce thermal stress.
In research accelerators using superconducting technologies, cryogenics is essential, cooling magnets and structures to extremely low temperatures to maintain superconductivity and minimize energy loss. Effective thermal management is critical for maintaining ultra-high vacuum conditions and ensuring reliable long-term operation of sensitive accelerator processes, such as particle transport, target irradiation, or isotope generation.
Pfeiffer offers a comprehensive range of radiation-resistant and UHV-compatible vacuum technologies tailored to meet the specific needs of research accelerators, medical linear accelerators, and industrial electron beam systems. The product range includes:
Turbomolecular vacuum pumps
In radiotherapy, a highly targeted treatment beam delivers maximum energy to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Proton therapy, one form of radiation therapy, uses accelerated protons for precise targeting.
Medical linear accelerators (linacs) are precision machines commonly used in radiation therapy to generate high-energy X-rays or electrons to form a treatment beam that accurately targets tumors. Linacs can also treat superficial tumors close to the skin with electron beams.
Spallation neutron sources generate neutrons by bombarding a target material with protons or ions. These neutrons are utilized for research in areas like physics, chemistry, and materials science.
Vacuum systems are crucial for both experimental setups and linear accelerators. They ensure that charged particle beams remain uncontaminated by residual gas molecules, which is essential for beam stability and precision. In high-energy physics (HEP), maintaining ultra-high vacuum (UHV) reduces scattering and phase noise, enabling accurate measurements in high-energy environments. In medical applications, vacuum conditions ensure reliable beam delivery for treatments like proton beam therapy.
An ADS generates neutron beams via spallation by propelling protons at high speeds into a target material, usually composed of heavy elements like lead or tungsten. This induces a spallation reaction, releasing neutrons for research purposes.
Proton guns typically use smaller vacuum pumps. In contrast, irradiation chambers and accelerators require larger pumps. Both ensure optimal performance and reliability.
Products from Pfeiffer, including turbopumps and remote electronics, are designed for high radiation environments. These vacuum pumps have been used successfully at CERN for over 40 years. Our solutions are crafted with materials selected for their ability to withstand radiation and minimize outgassing.
