Accelerator is smaller than grain

Scientists at the National Acceleration Laboratory (SLAC) and Stanford University say they have built a revolution that can accelerate electrons by up to 10 times the current technology. It is only about 3mm in size. This advance could help develop compact and inexpensive scientific and medical research equipment.

Photo: nextbigfuture.com

In the first experiment, electron particles were accelerated to near the speed of light in a conventional accelerator. Scientists then use nano-accelerator chips and infrared rays to form an electric field that interacts with electrons and increases their energy to 300 million electron volts per meter - 10 times as much. linear acceleration of SLAC current.

"Our ultimate goal is to reach 1 billion electron volts per meter and we have reached one third of the target in the first test," said lead researcher Professor Robert Byer.

Particle accelerators are devices that generate beams of electrons or energy and are used for a variety of purposes such as scientific research or medicine. The biggest challenge, however, is that any accelerated effort will only increase energy, not particle speed.

According to Joel England physicist, although there are many obstacles to overcome before the technology is applied in practice, but if overcome, it will significantly reduce the size and production costs of the accelerator in the same. hybrid.