A circular particle accelerator that accelerates electrons using an induced electric field. Betatron consists of a toroidal tube embedded in an electromagnet whose winding is parallel to the tube. Alternating electric current in the winding accelerates the electrons inside the tube around a circular path. When they reach the appropriate energy, they are deflected onto a target where they produce intense X-rays. Modern betatrons produce high-energy X-rays for a variety of applications. The name betatron is derived from the electrons that are part of the beta radiation.