A microchip-sized particle accelerator has been successfully tested, marking a breakthrough in miniaturized high-energy physics

Scientists have successfully activated the world’s smallest particle accelerator, a device as compact as a coin. This breakthrough, which could transform fields ranging from medicine to physics, represents a significant step toward miniaturized particle acceleration technology

Traditional particle accelerators rely on radio-frequency waves and metallic structures to propel charged particles. These methods impose size and cost limitations due to the constraints of radio-frequency fields, which can only withstand acceleration gradients in the range of megavolts per meter.

The new approach, known as a dielectric laser accelerator (DLA), leverages nanophotonic structures to synchronize optical nearfields with moving charged particles.

This configuration achieves acceleration rates up to 100 times greater than conventional radio-frequency-based systems, drastically reducing both the size and cost of accelerators.

Schematics of the experimental setup. Ultraviolet (UV) laser pulses of 257 nm wavelength (blue) and infrared (IR) laser pulses of 1.93 μm wavelength (red) are generated in an optical parametric amplifier (OPA) and fourth harmonic generation setup

A key challenge in any accelerator is maintaining particle confinement to prevent energy loss.

In the DLA, confinement occurs within a narrow, nanometer-wide channel, structured to keep electrons focused as they gain energy

Potential for Medical and Scientific Applications

The primary goal of developing miniaturized accelerators is not just high-energy physics but also practical applications in medicine.

The high-energy electrons generated by the NEA could be used in precise radiotherapy techniques, potentially reducing the harmful side effects associated with conventional radiation treatments.

The ability to produce high-energy electrons within a microscopic device opens the door to portable diagnostic tools, advanced imaging systems, and new methods for studying matter at the nanoscale.

As researchers refine the technology, the applications of nanophotonic accelerators will continue to expand, potentially reshaping multiple scientific and medical fields.

Source - BrighterSide 

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