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A linear accelerator (linac) is a type of particle accelerator that accelerates charged particles to high speeds using electric fields. It is the most commonly used type of particle accelerator in medical applications, such as cancer treatment and research. Linacs use a combination of electric and magnetic fields to accelerate particles in a straight line, as opposed to a circular path like in a cyclotron. The particles are then directed towards a target, such as a tumor, to deliver a dose of radiation.
Linear accelerator equipment is typically expensive, with prices ranging from tens of thousands of dollars to millions of dollars. The cost of the equipment depends on the size, type, and features of the machine. Major manufacturers of linear accelerator equipment include Varian Medical Systems, Elekta, and Siemens. These manufacturers offer a wide range of machines, from basic models to more advanced models with features such as image-guidance and motion-tracking.
