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How are particle accelerators used in industrial radiography?

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Diagram of a linear proton resonance accelerator, or linac, showing protons entering from a source, passing through a series of labeled drift tubes powered by a radio-frequency source, and exiting as a beam through a cavity. — particle accelerator The accelerator is a large-diameter tube within which an electric field oscillates at a high radio frequency. Within the accelerator tube are smaller diameter metallic drift tubes, which are carefully sized and spaced to shield the protons from decelerating oscillations of the electric field. In the spaces between the drift tubes, the electric field is oriented properly to accelerate the protons in their direction of travel.

Particle accelerators are essential instruments in industrial radiography, where they serve as powerful sources of high-energy radiation used for the nondestructive testing of materials.12

In this application, accelerators—such as linear accelerators—produce beams of high-energy particles that generate X-rays or gamma rays. Because these rays possess high energy and short wavelengths, they are capable of penetrating optically opaque materials. When this radiation passes through an object, it is absorbed differently depending on the material's density, composition, and homogeneity. By capturing the radiation that passes through the object on a suitable photographic film or detector, technicians can create images that reveal internal flaws, such as cracks or voids, in castings or structures that are otherwise inaccessible to direct observation.3124

This process is highly valued in industry because it allows for the inspection of components without damaging them. Furthermore, advanced techniques can sometimes focus these rays to specific planes within a material, providing a detailed three-dimensional description of the geometry and location of internal defects.42