Eric O'Dell
2006-11-01 15:15:11 UTC
"Pictures of the fastest waves ever photographed, traveling at 99.997%
of the speed of light, were presented today at the APS Division of
Plasma Physics meeting in Philadelphia. The waves were formed in the
wake of an intense laser pulse passing through a plasma of electrons and
ionized atoms. The waves create enormous electric fields (over 100
billion electron volts/meter), which can be used to rapidly accelerate
charged particles to high energies in the span of a few meters. The
pictures will help scientists better understand wakefield interactions —
an important factor in their quest to replace machines that accelerate
particles over the course of miles with compact, tabletop versions. High
energy particle accelerators are vital for cutting edge physics and many
types of medical therapy, and miniaturizing them would be a boon for
both basic physics research and medicine."
http://physicsbuzz.blogspot.com/2006/10/fastest-waves-ever-photographed.html
At least now I don't have to cut my science with quite as much
handwavium as before. ;)
-e.
of the speed of light, were presented today at the APS Division of
Plasma Physics meeting in Philadelphia. The waves were formed in the
wake of an intense laser pulse passing through a plasma of electrons and
ionized atoms. The waves create enormous electric fields (over 100
billion electron volts/meter), which can be used to rapidly accelerate
charged particles to high energies in the span of a few meters. The
pictures will help scientists better understand wakefield interactions —
an important factor in their quest to replace machines that accelerate
particles over the course of miles with compact, tabletop versions. High
energy particle accelerators are vital for cutting edge physics and many
types of medical therapy, and miniaturizing them would be a boon for
both basic physics research and medicine."
http://physicsbuzz.blogspot.com/2006/10/fastest-waves-ever-photographed.html
At least now I don't have to cut my science with quite as much
handwavium as before. ;)
-e.