Accelerator technology and particle therapy in Germany in the 20th century

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Cornelius Borck
• Subject Area: History of Science
• Term: from 2015 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 274589745

The aim of the project is the historical analysis of a therapeutical concept of immediate interest in the present, the treatment of cancer by particle therapy, and the concomitant research technology, the accelerator technology. The objects of research are the developments leading to the current actuality and the technological realization of particle therapy. They are scrutinized from the perspective of history of science and technology. The project considers state-funded research (Universities, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Institutes, Max-Planck-Institutes, major research institutions) and industrial research, analyzes the structure of its cooperativity and the strategies leading to the implementation of a large-scale technology developed and applied by high-energy physics in a dedicated subdiscipline of medicine, the radiooncology. From a technical point of view, accelerators, like betatrons, cyclotrons, linear accelerators and synchrotrons, are the objects of interest. In connection with medical applications developments in neighbouring subjects, like computer-, vacuum- and high frequency technology will be integrated in the study. With regard to radiooncology, we distinguish three periods of development: 1. background and early period of technological establishment (1895-ca. 1955), 2. a period of implementation of compact therapy systems (1955-1980), and 3. a period of complex therapy facilities (from 1980 to the present day). Starting point of the study is the work of Rolf Wideröe on the first properly functioning double-stage linear accelerator (1928) and his theoretical considerations about circular accelerators. Finally the establishment of the first combined proton and heavy ion therapy facility in Europe in Heidelberg and the problems and failure of similar units in Marburg and Kiel are the objects of interest. To cope with the complexity of the concept particle therapy, the object of investigation is represented in terms of five narratives: I. X-rays and electron therapy, II. Fast neutrons: From Berkeley to London to Heidelberg, III. Proton therapy: A new chance for cancer therapy, IV. Exotic particles: antimatter and pi-mesons for radiotherapy, V. Heavy ions: GSI, HIT, Siemens, Marburg and Kiel.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants