Science and Discovery

Particle Accelerators

2 articles

Editorial illustration for Bending and Focusing: How Superconducting Magnets Steer Particle Beams Through the Large Hadron Collider
Explainers

Bending and Focusing: How Superconducting Magnets Steer Particle Beams Through the Large Hadron Collider

Superconducting magnets are essential for particle accelerators like the LHC, enabling high-energy beams through powerful bending and focusing fields. Maintaining these magnets at cryogenic temperatures, colder than outer space, is critical for their superconductivity and the machine's compact design.

Marcus Cole·October 19, 2026
Editorial illustration for Plasma Accelerators: How Laser Pulses and Electron Beams Create Powerful Wakes
Physics & Quantum

Plasma Accelerators: How Laser Pulses and Electron Beams Create Powerful Wakes

Plasma wakefield acceleration uses intense laser pulses or electron beams to create powerful electric wakes in plasma, enabling particle acceleration gradients far exceeding conventional methods. This technology promises more compact and potent particle accelerators for future research.

Marcus Cole·October 5, 2026