The latest ATAP Newsletter showcases our exciting research to advance accelerator science and its applications, including how this work supports the P5 Report recommendations for particle physics in the coming decade and broad applications. For example, you can learn how the power of laser-plasma accelerators could be harnessed to create high-energy muons for a new imaging technology, how a novel approach to protecting high-temperature superconducting magnets from destructive energy could lead to their widespread adoption, how advanced analytical modeling could enable smaller, cheaper, and more efficient particle accelerators and colliders, and how a prototype cable could pave the way to high-performance superconductors for high-field accelerator and fusion magnet applications. You can also read a fascinating article from Symmetry magazine about how Berkeley Lab and other national laboratories and universities are working toward a 10-TeV parton center-of-momentum collider, a key recommendation from the P5 Report.

A team of ATAP scientists, in collaboration with colleagues from the Lab’s Physics and Engineering Divisions and Office for National and Homeland Security, other national laboratories, academic institutions, and industry partners, are working on a DARPA-funded project to create a source of high-energy muons. The work aims to develop an imaging technique capable of penetrating solid objects much thicker than existing technology allows, providing a powerful new tool for scientific research and national security applications and advancing technologies toward future colliders identified in the P5 Report.

Our Superconducting Magnet Program (SMP) is developing temperature monitoring systems to prevent sudden and unpredictable losses in superconductivity (known as “quenches”) in high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets. The technique, which uses ultrasonic, radiofrequency, and fiber optic sensors to detect and prevent quenches before they occur, could make HTS magnets a transformative technology for accelerator and fusion applications.

SMP researchers are also developing a new analytic framework to support the design of smaller, more efficient, cost-effective elliptical superconducting magnets and windings for accelerator technologies such as fixed-field accelerators and heavy ion synchrotrons.

In addition, the program is working with industry partners to develop an HTS cable for high-field superconducting magnets capable of operating at high temperatures. The work promises to extend the capabilities and improve the sustainability of particle accelerators and colliders. It also supports the P5 Report’s focus on high-field superconducting magnet technology for future proton and muon colliders.

During April, we observe Earth Month—whose theme this year is “Planet vs. Plastics”—by raising environmental awareness across the Lab and by taking actions to reduce our climate, waste, and water footprints.

In March, the Lab celebrated Women’s History Month by recognizing women’s contributions to ATAP’s vision and mission. Events were held throughout the month, starting with the unveiling of a new banner at Building 65 by the Women’s Support and Empowerment Council on March 4.

At our February All-to-All meeting, we learned about implicit bias in the workplace as part of our IDEA strategy to foster an inclusive and respectful work environment.

We are saddened to inform you of Bernhard Ludewigt’s passing. Bernhard, who retired from the Lab in 2017, was a valued member of our Ion Beam Technology Program (now the Fusion Science & Ion Beam Technology Program) and contributed immensely to ATAP’s work. He was part of the team that won the Secretary of Energy’s Achievement Award in 2020 for their work on nondestructive assays of spent nuclear fuel in support of nuclear safeguards and nonproliferation. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Bernhard’s family during this difficult time.

Written by Carl A. Williams or other authors as credited.

For more information on ATAP News articles, contact caw@lbl.gov.