Absorber
{{for|an element in group theory|Absorbing element}}
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In high energy physics experiments, an absorber is a block of material used to absorb some of the energy of an incident particle in an experiment. Absorbers can be made of a variety of materials, depending on the purpose; lead, tungsten and liquid hydrogen are common choices.{{cite web|url=https://www.physics.utoronto.ca/~krieger/talks/WRNPPC04_Talk.pdf |title=Slide 1 |website=Physics.utoronoto.ca |date= |accessdate=2016-12-23}} Most absorbers are used as part of a particle detector; particle accelerators use absorbers to reduce the radiation damage on accelerator components.{{cite web|url=https://accelconf.web.cern.ch/AccelConf/e98/PAPERS/MOP13C.PDF |title=ABSORBERS FOR THE HIGH LUMINOSITY INSERTIONS OF THE LHC |author1=E.H. Hoyer |author2=W.C. Turner |author3=N.V. Mokhov |website=Accelconf.web.cern.ch |accessdate=2016-12-23}}
Other uses of the same word
- Absorbers are used in ionization cooling, as in the International Muon Ionization Cooling Experiment.
- In solar power, a high degree of efficiency is achieved by using black absorbers which reflect off much less of the incoming energy.
- In sunscreen formulations, ingredients which absorb UVA/UVB rays, such as avobenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate, are known as absorbers. They are contrasted with physical "blockers" of UV radiation such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.