Robert R. Wilson proposed using fast protons for radiation therapy by exploiting their depth-dependent energy deposition. A proton loses kinetic energy along its path and has enhanced stopping near the end of its range, producing a Bragg peak. His 1946 paper connected this measured interaction with a way to concentrate irradiation at a chosen depth. The physical idea links particle accelerator design, stopping power and spatial control of deposited energy.[ref]
Radiological use of fast protons by Robert R. Wilson. 1946 paper, rise of specific ionization near the end of the proton range
Physicist who proposed the use of fast protons for radiation therapy in 1946.[ref]
https://history.fnal.gov/historical/applications/history_proton_therapy.html. Primary identity record
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Portrait of Robert R. Wilson
. Fermilab History and Archives, 12 September 1970; original photographer unidentified; crop by FMSky. Public domain (PD-USGov-DOE), as documented on the linked Commons file page. Source.
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Robert R. Wilson (1914-2000) was a prominent American physicist known for his contributions to particle physics and accelerator technology. He played a key role in the development of the first modern particle accelerators, including the Fermilab proton synchrotron, which became a vital facility for high-energy physics research. Wilson was also influential in the establishment of scientific institutions and promoting science education.
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