Donald W. Kerst
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Donald W. Kerst was an American physicist renowned for his pioneering work in particle acceleration. In 1940, he led the development of the first successful betatron at the University of Illinois. A betatron is a type of particle accelerator that uses a changing magnetic field to induce an electric field, which in turn accelerates electrons in a circular path to high speeds. These devices are now used to generate high-energy X-ray beams for various applications, including medical and industrial radiography. Kerst's theoretical calculations were crucial to the betatron's design and operation, and his work on orbit calculations later led to the concept of intersecting orbits for particle collisions.123
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- betatron
…direction of the American physicist Donald W. Kerst, who had deduced the detailed principles that govern the operation of such a device. Modern compact betatron designs are used to produce high-energy X-ray beams for a variety of applications.
Read More…direction of the American physicist Donald W. Kerst, who had deduced the detailed principles that govern the operation of such a device. Modern compact betatron designs are used to produce high-energy X-ray beams for a variety of applications.
Read More 
particle acceleratorHistoryIn 1940 Donald W. Kerst, applying the results of careful orbit calculations to the design of magnets, constructed the first betatron, a magnetic-induction accelerator of electrons, at the University of Illinois.
Read MoreIn 1940 Donald W. Kerst, applying the results of careful orbit calculations to the design of magnets, constructed the first betatron, a magnetic-induction accelerator of electrons, at the University of Illinois.
Read More