Impact of Accelerators on Technology

Accelerators and accelerator technology has rapidly expanded into Medicine and Industry. The 2500 accelerators in the USA, which represent about 2/3 the worldwide census of accelerators are primarily devoted to practical applications, although the major impact on technology has been produced by a relatively few excellent facilities. Approximately 80% of the current accelerators in the USA are found to be in medical and industrial use representing a capital investment by industry of $200,000,000. Of greater importance is their impact on the treatment of cancer, and the improvement or creation of better products for industrial and consumer use. The development of new accelerators and techniques are required in order to insure continuing benefits to the public.