In the final ATAP Newsletter for 2024, read about how our researchers are contributing to the high-energy upgrade of SLAC’s Linac Coherent Light Source and the successful completion of more than half of the powerful new magnets for the high-luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider.

ATAP and Engineering Division researchers are developing new and improved magnet arrays for the high-energy upgrade of SLAC’s Linac Coherent Light Source, the world’s most powerful X-ray laser. ATAP also provides advanced control systems for the upgrade, along with improved beam modeling and diagnostic tools. The upgrade promises a powerful new tool for advancing fundamental research.

Another ATAP and Engineering collaboration has assembled over half of the 20 new superconducting niobium-tin magnets for the High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (LHC) Accelerator Upgrade Project. These magnets will be used for the first time in a particle accelerator, enhancing the LHC’s capabilities and paving the way for new discoveries in high-energy and particle physics.

Researchers from our Advanced Modeling Program have developed a new method for modeling plasmas to support the development of laser-plasma accelerators. In collaboration with colleagues from the BELLA Center, they are also working to better understand the fundamental physics of laser-ion acceleration, helping to realize the full potential of this next-generation accelerator technology.

Congratulations to ATAP’s Asmita Patel, Pat Thomas (retired), Ina Reichel, Paolo Ferracin, Ian Pong, Andy Lin, Mike Naus, Jean-Francois Croteau, Elaine Buron, Soren Prestemon, Elizabeth Lee, Chris Georgiou, Stephanie Chan Shum, George Fraley, Karen Lingua, Brian Zatkow, and Hugh Higley for being honored in the 2024 Berkeley Lab Director’s Awards, which took place at the Lab’s Building 50 Auditorium on November 8, 2024. Also, congratulations to BELLA Staff Scientist Stepan Bulanov for being elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society.

In November, we celebrated Native American Heritage Month, also known as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. This month recognizes and honors Native Americans’ rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and their significant contributions to our nation. Additionally, we observed Veterans Day to honor and pay tribute to our veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and members of the National Guard for their sacrifices, bravery, and service to the country.

In our penultimate All-to-All meeting of the year held on October 28, 2024, BELLA Center Staff Scientist Deputy Director of Experiments Jeroen van Tilborg presented a talk on the requirements and available resources for developing effective PIER Plans for research proposals submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. PIER Plans enhance these proposals by highlighting actions and initiatives that promote IDEA principles and practices in proposal submissions.

Finally, as we prepare for the holidays, remember to be safe and healthy amid winter weather hazards.

I wish everyone a safe, happy, and relaxing winter break, and I look forward to a New Year of exciting progress in particle accelerator science and applications.

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