Electrostatic Sources of Ionizing Energy

The growing need in science, medicine, and technology for intense sources of high-energy particles and other forms of ionizing energy is being met to an increasing extent by devices which depend upon electrostatic forces and principles. The vitality of these modern uses of ionizing energy and the unique effectiveness of the electrostatic accelerator in meeting their requirements are evident in such diverse activities as experimental nuclear research, the super-voltage X-ray treatment of disease, and the sterilization of biologicals and foods by streams of high-energy electrons.