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Cyclotron Magnets:
TRIUMF has the world's largest cyclotron. The TRIUMF cyclotron uses the magnetic field from six huge electromagnets (weighing 4000 tonnes) to accelerate negatively charged hydrogen ions (hydrogen atoms with an extra electron) to up to 75% of the speed of light. As these particles circulate, they go through electric fields which give them a "kick" of energy on each half-turn. Travelling a little faster with each kick, they move in a widening spiral and pass through each half-turn in the same amount of time. After 1500 turns, protons pour out at 75% of the speed of light. In our cyclotron the electrical kicks must come at exactly the right moment, every 23 millionths of a second, otherwise the particles will not be accelerated. |
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Last changes: Dec 27, 1996. | |