Researchers activate world’s tiniest coin-sized particle accelerator

Source: The post is based on the article “Researchers activate world’s tiniest coin-sized particle accelerator published in “TOI” on 31st October 2023

Why in the News?

Researchers have activated the world’s smallest particle accelerator called Nanophotonic electron accelerator(NEA).

What are Particle Accelerators?

A particle accelerator is a machine that accelerates elementary particles, such as electrons or protons, to very high energies.

The particle accelerators produce beams of charged particles that can be used for a variety of purposes such as fundamental research in particle physics, medical treatments, and industrial applications.

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Switzerland is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator.

What is a Nanophotonic electron accelerator(NEA)?

NEA is a particle accelerator approximately the size of a small coin. 

Key Features of NEA:

1.Size: The NEA is incredibly small, approximately the size of a small coin, setting it apart from large accelerators like the LHC.

2.Operation: Unlike traditional accelerators, the NEA uses miniature laser beams directed at thousands of tiny pillars on a microchip to accelerate electrons.

3.Energy Field: NEA doesn’t produce as strong an energy field as larger accelerators such as the LHC but its smaller size offers potential for improvements.

4.Medical Applications: The NEA shows promise for medical uses, particularly in precise radiotherapy, due to its compact design.

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