linear accelerator

linear accelerator   n.  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. Also called linac.

Main Entry: linear accelerator
Function: noun
: an accelerator in which particles are propelled in a straight line and receive successive increments of energy through theapplication of alternating potentials to a series of electrodes and gaps

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.

linear accelerator   A type of particle accelerator that accelerates charged subatomic particles, such as protons and electrons, in a straight line by means of alternating negative and positive impulses from electric fields. Linear accelerators were largely supplanted by cyclotrons and other architectures that require less path length to achieve the same or higher particle velocities. See Note at particle accelerator.