Primer on Theory and Operation of Linear Accelerators, 2nd Ed.
Author: C.J. Karzmark & Robert MortonISBN: 9780944838662 ISBN10: 0944838669
Published: 1998 | 50 pp | Softcover
OUT OF PRINT
The British Journal of Radiology | May 1990
Review of the First Edition
"This booklet written by two distinguished American physicists was originally published by the US Bureau of Radiological Health and now appears in revised form. It lives up to its title and is easy to read with key words printed in bold type. There are plenty of diagrams to accompany the explanations, and some black and white photographs of particular examples.
"The introduction describes how a medical accelerator is used, names its constituent parts and describes the movements possible. It then explains how the energy is defined, and describes the operation of an elementary linac. There is a brief comparison with diagnostic X-ray generators. The next section details the major modules and components of an operational linac. The use of microwaves to accelerate electrons is explained, together with the principles of microwave production.The text then follows on logically to describe standing and travelling wave accelerator structures. There is a new section of dual energy X-ray linear accelerators and the properties of the bending magnets required for these recent advances. Appendix A describes most medical linear accelerators currently on the market and illustrates some models. Appendix B gives the manufacturers' performance specifications in tabular form, so that different units can easily be compared. The booklet restricts itself to the traditional basics of linear accelerator design, and does not address the advances in microprocessor control, asymmetric and multisegment collimators, and automatic wedges.
"It is intended for students of radiotherapy and oncology, physics and
radiography. It fulfills this intention admirably and is a useful publication
in a field where very little information at this introductory level is available.
It is reasonably priced and I recommend it for the departmental library,
or for personal use if you do not have the first edition."
Helen Morgan