Read about progress in upgrades to the Large Hadron Collider to enable this decade’s discoveries, new detectors for dark matter physics, and new staff advancing our capabilities to plan for future colliders. In addition to this work, you can learn how computer modeling is helping to design advanced particle accelerators and colliers and an innovative method that uses laser-plasma accelerators to produce positron beams. You can also read a fascinating and insightful interview with Lab Director Mike Witherell in Physics World.

Scientists at ATAP, in an ongoing collaboration with colleagues from the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory at Florida State University, delivered the first batch of powerful new magnets based on niobium-tin technology to CERN. The work is part of the High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider Accelerator Upgrade Project, which aims to increase the luminosity of the LHC and promises discoveries in high energy and particle physics.

In an exciting new concept, researchers from our Fusion Science & Ion Beam Technology Program have partnered with colleagues from Princeton University and the California Institute of Technology to propose a new technique for using quantum sensing to detect dark matter particles in lower mass ranges than is possible with existing technologies. This important research addresses a priority area identified in the P5 Report. The work benefits significantly from the Lab’s expertise and leadership in quantum information science, our state-of-the-art facilities, and our ethos of collaboration through partnering with other world-renowned research centers.

In January, we welcomed Jens Osterhoff to the Lab. Jens joined our BELLA Center leadership team as deputy director for projects and applications. As we prepare for the design of a future collider at the ten teraelectron volt per parton scale—as outlined in the P5 report—based on proton, muon, and wakefield technologies, Jens’ experience will add to the division’s strengths and collaborations in this area. We also welcomed Kyle Jensen to BELLA, who will work on the center’s Hundred-Terawatt Undulator beamline. Please join me in welcoming Jens, Kyle, and others who joined the Lab in January and February.

As part of our education and outreach activities, Paolo Ferracin, a senior scientist and deputy of ATAP’s Superconducting Magnet Program, delivered a lecture to K-12 students in early February. Later that month, he guided the students on a tour of our Advanced Light Sources facilities.

Throughout February, we celebrate Black History Month by recognizing and honoring the incredible and lasting impact of the Black community on the advancement and support of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This year’s theme for Black History Month is “Black Inventors and Innovators,” showcasing talks and events highlighting the significant contributions of Black inventors to science and society and how their contributions have shaped history.

February also marked the arrival of the Lunar New Year. The event allows us to celebrate the Lab’s diversity and show respect to colleagues and friends of Asian and Pacific Island heritage.

ATAP Administrator Anastasia Palmer delivered a presentation on wellness and learning resources available for Lab researchers and employees in our first All-to-All meeting of the year.

And congratulations to ATAP Staff Scientist Arun Persaud, who was named one of the Physical Science Area’s “Inventors/Developers of the Year” by the Intellectual Property Office in December. The award recognizes Persaud and his team’s work on a novel technique that uses Associated Particle Imaging to measure the carbon content of soil on agricultural land. It promises to revolutionize carbon soil analysis and support efforts toward a more environmentally sustainable economy. Many congratulations, Arun!

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

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