U.S. Particle Accelerator School
U.S. Particle Accelerator School
Education in Beam Physics and Accelerator Technology

Medical Applications of Accelerators and Beams course

Sponsoring University:

Vanderbilt University

Course:

Medical Applications of Accelerators and Beams

Instructors:

Jacob Flanz, Mass General Hospital and Yves Jongen, Ion Beam Applications

Accelerators for biomedical applications now comprise the largest group of operating charged-particle machines. In this course we will explore the requirements of some applications from PET isotope production, medical equipment sterilization, to charged particle therapy. Some of the underlying physics and basic engineering limitations will be covered. The use of cyclotrons, linacs and synchrotrons in these applications will discussed. From an understanding of the application requirements we will develop the beam parameters desired and continue to defining the accelerator design parameters. The operation of these facilities in the medical environment will be discussed. Introductory accelerator physics and engineering concepts will be employed in this course. Prerequisites: college physics and electromagnetism.