Definition: Short-lived elementary particles found in cosmic radiation or produced from nuclear disintegration. Their mass is between that of protons and electrons and they can be negative, positive, or neutral. pi-Mesons (pions) are heavier than mu-mesons (muons) and are proposed for cancer radiotherapy because their capture and disintegration by matter produces powerful, but short-lived, secondary radiation.
elementary particles; IM
Other names pi-Mesons; mu-Mesons; Pions; Muons; Muon; pi-Meson; pi Mesons; mu-Meson; mu Mesons; Pion; Meson
