Core Applications in 2026
A cyclotron is a specialized particle accelerator designed to produce radioactive isotopes. It functions by accelerating charged particles, such as protons, in a spiral path. The machine consists of a vacuum chamber containing two D-shaped electrodes known as "Dees." These electrodes are positioned between the poles of a powerful magnet.
The process begins at the center, where an ion source releases particles. A constant magnetic field forces these particles into a circular orbit. Each time the particles cross the gap between the two Dees, they receive a boost from an alternating electric field. As they gain speed and energy, their orbit expands, creating a spiral trajectory. Once the particles reach the outer edge with sufficient energy, they are directed onto a target material. The resulting collision causes a nuclear reaction that creates the radioactive isotopes used in medicine.