Ion Beam Breakthrough Kills Tumors

The Los Alamos [U.S.] National Laboratory (NM, USA) Trident laser group, working with researchers from the University of Nevada, Reno (USA) and elsewhere, has succeeded in concentrating the intensity of a laser-driven carbon ion beam into a narrow range. This study supports earlier studies led by the University of Nevada that found much higher quality laser proton beams from laser acceleration as opposed to traditional particle acceleration.

Generating carbon ion beams and limiting their spread removes the primary hurdle to improving such applications as tumor irradiation therapy. Many technologic challenges still have to be met to develop a compact particle generator that could be utilized in a hospital environment. No clinical trials are impending. This new development, however, should create new opportunities for developments in nuclear fusion applications.

The study was published in the January 26, 2006, issue of the journal Nature.



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