ATAP Division traces its origins to the central legacy of the Laboratory: Ernest Orlando Lawrence’s invention of the cyclotron. Though the Laboratory’s research portfolio has greatly expanded and diversified, it has always been a leader in the science and technology of particle accelerators and the application of their beams.
A dedicated Accelerator Division was organized in 1973, and joined forces with accelerator-based programs in magnetic fusion energy and heavy-ion fusion energy to form the Accelerator & Fusion Research Division. AFRD became ATAP in 2014, reflecting the ever broadening contributions of accelerators and related technologies to today’s science and technology challenges.
Learn about our history in developing these engines of discovery and how they have contributed to society.
Celebrating Accelerator Week
— Finale of Lab’s 90th Anniversary celebrations
The Laboratory celebrated its 90th anniversary throughout 2021. In a very real sense, this was ATAP’s 90th anniversary as well. The Division carries forward E.O. Lawrence’s two great contributions to the world of science: advanced particle accelerators and the “team science” approach to designing, building, and operating them.
As the finale of the Laboratory’s “Next 90” series, Berkeley Lab Strategic Communications focused on this founding legacy of Lawrence and his laboratory. We welcome you to look at accelerator breakthroughs of the past 90 years and a glimpse of what the next 90 might hold, and get perspective from conversations with ATAP Director Cameron Geddes and early-career scientist Antoine Wojdyla.
To learn more about our history, what we do, and the benefits of our work, watch the brief video “Excellence in Accelerators” and read the companion article.
