Source: TOI
Context: Researchers have activated the world’s smallest particle accelerator, known as a “nanophotonic electron accelerator” (NEA), which is approximately the size of a small coin.
What are particle accelerators?
It is a device that accelerates charged particles, such as electrons or protons, to very high speeds and energies. These accelerated particles are then used for various scientific and practical purposes, including fundamental research in particle physics, medical treatments, and industrial applications.
- g., the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)
How this miniature accelerator is different from LHC?
NEA consists of a small microchip containing an even smaller vacuum tube which is made up of thousands of individual pillars. Unlike traditional particle accelerators (like LHC), this tiny accelerator relies on directing miniature laser beams at thousands of individual “pillars” on a microchip to accelerate electrons. While the NEA’s energy field is weaker than large particle accelerators like the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), its smaller size and potential for further enhancements make it promising for applications in medical treatments, particularly for precise radiotherapy. The NEA’s compact design offers advantages for medical purposes and could replace more invasive cancer treatment methods.
