Physical Observations relating to the 2 MeV Van de Graaff Electrostatic Generator at Westminster Hospital

Abstract

Miller (1950) has described the 2 MeV Van de Graaff generator installed at Sheffield and some of the physical measurements and observations made with it. A similar apparatus has been installed at Westminster Hospital. This installation and our initial experiences with it have been some what different from those of Miller. Our measurements confirm, and in some cases extend, those of previous workers. The generator was installed within an existing Radiotherapy Department with little disturbance to its routine work, a room previously used for a 200 kV X-ray set being extended and modified. Its position relative to another 200 kV set, control rooms and corridors forming part of the Department is shown in Fig. 1. These rooms form part of a lower ground floor extending well beyond the main building and have top lighting. The roof is normally unoccupied, as is a basement underneath. The area directly beneath the generator is, nevertheless, fenced off. Thus there is no problem of protection above or beneath the a...