linear accelerator

linear accelerator

n.

1. An electron, a proton, or a heavy-ion accelerator in which the paths of the particles accelerated are essentially straight lines rather than circles or spirals.

2. A device that produces high energy photons (x-rays) on charged particles for use in radiation therapy.

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linear accelerator (LINAC)

Etymology: L, linea, line, accelerare, to quicken

an apparatus for accelerating charged subatomic particles, used in radiotherapy, physics research, and the production of radionuclides. A pulsed electron beam generated by an electron gun passes through a long, straight vacuum tube containing alternating hollow electrodes. The electrodes are arranged so that, when their high-frequency potentials are properly varied, the electrons passing through the tube receive successive increments of energy. The electrons are stopped abruptly by a heavy metal target at the end of the tube and directed by a collimator to deliver supervoltage x-rays to the patient receiving radiotherapy.