Purpose and Uses - hdbk11080105

DOE-HDBK-1108-97

Radiological Training for Accelerator Facilities

Student's Guide

Purpose and Uses

EO-01 IDENTIFY uses for accelerators.

Accelerators have contributed many new and exciting insights into the structure of matter.

Accelerators are designed for a variety of purposes, such as research into the nature of matter,

production of radioisotopes (such as tritium), generation of bremsstrahlung for radiography and

radiation therapy, induction of fusion, pumping for lasers, detoxification of hazardous waste,

actinide transmutation, production of synchrotron radiation, sterilization of food and surgical

equipment, and industrial manufacturing. Each purpose dictates a particular energy range and

choice of particle to be accelerated - electrons, protons, or nuclei of heavier elements.