CALUTRON Meaning and
Definition
-
A calutron is a device used for isotope separation by means of electromagnetic enrichment. With origins dating back to the mid-20th century, calutrons played a prominent role in the development of nuclear weapons during World War II and the post-war era.
The term "calutron" is derived from the words "California University Cyclotron," reflecting its initial development at the University of California, in collaboration with the United States government. The device utilizes a combination of magnetic fields and electric fields to separate ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio. By subjecting a charged particle beam to these fields, the calutron effectively sorts the particles, allowing for the separation of desire isotopes from a mixture.
Following the completion of the Manhattan Project, calutrons were extensively employed in large-scale production of enriched uranium for military and research purposes. However, advancements in centrifuge and gaseous diffusion techniques eventually rendered calutrons obsolete in nuclear enrichment operations.
Today, the term "calutron" is primarily associated with historical contexts and has limited practical relevance. Nevertheless, it remains a significant symbol of early atomic research and the quest for nuclear dominance. The development and utilization of calutrons played a pivotal role in advancing the understanding and application of electromagnetic separation techniques, contributing to the establishment of nuclear technology as a crucial aspect of modern science and warfare.
Common Misspellings for CALUTRON
- CALUTvON
- CALUTpON
- CALUTsON
- CALUTR_N
- CALUTRgN
- CALUTRmN
- CALUTRnN
- CALUTROf
- CALUTROl
- CALUTROo
- c alutron
- ca lutron
- cal utron
- calu tron
- calut ron
- calutr on
- calutro n
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
