Medical Particle Accelerators - Televac Vacuum Gauges

Types of Medical Particle Accelerators (LINAC, Synchrotron, Cyclotron)

Medical particle accelerators come in several forms including medical linear accelerators (LINAC), medical synchrotrons, or medical cyclotrons, and all cancer therapy machines that use these technologies fall under the category of radiation therapy (or radiotherapy). Radiotherapy machines that use these different accelerator technologies generally fall into one of three categories; X-ray, electron beam, and particle radiotherapy.

Types of Radiotherapy That Use Vacuum Gauges

In X-ray and electron beam radiotherapy, electrons are accelerated to a high rate of speed using a waveguide and magnets to specifically shape and direct the electron beam. In some devices, the electron beam is used to directly treat cancer (electron beam radiotherapy), and in others the electron beam collides with a heavy metal target (like tungsten), producing X-rays (X-ray radiotherapy). The X-rays are then directed at tumors to destroy malignant and benign tissue in the specific shape and location of the tumor.

In particle therapy, a specific type of particle is used. There are essentially three types of particles that are used for cancer treatment in radiotherapy. These include protons, neutrons, and ions (examples include carbon or helium ion therapy).

Vacuum Gauges for Medical Particle Accelerators

Medical particle accelerators (and particle accelerators in general) require at least rough vacuum (down to 1*10^-3 Torr, check out the 2A, MV2A, and MX2A) to function and operate correctly. Some require high vacuum or ultra high vacuum (down to 10^-11 Torr, check out the MX2A, MX7B, 2A, 7FCS, and MX200). Because the system is under vacuum, it prevents the accelerated particles from colliding with other particles that would slow them down or direct them incorrectly. See below for more information on our vacuum gauge solutions for medical particle accelerators.