Synchrocyclotron

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Sketch of a synchrocyclotron from
McMillan's patent.[1]
See also: Particle accelerator and
cyclotron

A synchrocyclotron is a special type of cyclotron,

patented by Edwin McMillan, in which the frequency of
the driving RF electric field is varied to compensate for
relativistic effects as the particles' velocity begins to
approach the speed of light. This is in contrast to the
classical cyclotron, where this frequency is constant.[1]
There are two major differences between the
synchrocyclotron and the classical cyclotron. In the
synchrocyclotron, only one dee retains its classical shape,
while the other pole is open (see patent sketch).
Furthermore, the frequency of oscillating electric field in a
synchrocyclotron is decreasing continuously instead of
kept constant so as to maintain cyclotron resonance for
relativistic velocities. One terminal of the oscillating

electric potential varying periodically is applied to the dee

and the other terminal is on ground potential. The proton
or deuterons to be accelerated are made to move in
circles of increasing radii. The acceleration of particles
takes place as they enter or leave D. At the outer edge,
the ion beam can be removed with the aid of electrostatic
deflector. It was possible to produce 200 MeV deuterons
and 400 MeV -particle with the first synchrocyclotron.
[citation needed]

Advantages

A part of the former Orsay

synchrocyclotron

The chief advantage of the synchrocyclotron is that there

is no need to restrict the number of revolutions executed
by the ion before its exit. As such, the potential difference
supplied between the dees can be much smaller.
The smaller potential difference needed across the gap
has the following uses:

1. There is no need for a narrow gap between the dees

as in the case of conventional cyclotron, because
strong electric fields for producing large acceleration
are not required. Thus only one dee can be used
instead of two, the other end of the oscillating
voltage supply being connected to earth.
2. The magnetic pole pieces can be brought closer, thus
making it possible to increase greatly the magnetic
flux density.
3. The frequency valve oscillator is able to function with
much greater efficiency.
Disadvantages
The main drawback of this device is that, as a result of
the variation in the frequency of the oscillating voltage
supply, only a very small fraction of the ions leaving the
source are captured in phase-table orbits of maximum
radius and energy with the result that the output beam
current has a low duty cycle, and the average beam
current is only a small fraction of the instantaneous beam
current. Thus the machine produces high energy ions,
though with comparatively low intensity.
The next development step of the cyclotron concept, the
isochronous cyclotron, maintains a constant RF driving
frequency and compensates for relativistic effects by
increasing the magnetic field with radius. Isochronous
cyclotrons are capable of producing much greater beam
current than synchrocyclotrons. As a result, isochronous
cyclotrons became more popular in the research field.
Current developments

Synchrocyclotrons are attractive for use in proton therapy

because of the ability to make compact systems using
high magnetic fields. Medical physics companies Ion
Beam Applications and Mevion Medical Systems are
developing superconducting synchrocyclotrons that can
fit comfortably into hospitals.[2][3]