Move over LHC: This particle accelerator is just 10 cm long
Sabine Hossenfelder
2 min, 42 sec
The video discusses a new method called wake surfing for accelerating particles which might revolutionize particle collider technology.
Summary
- Particle physicists are interested in a new particle collider that surpasses the Large Hadron Collider in energy levels.
- The main issue with particle colliders is their size and cost, with the next CERN collider projected to be 100 km.
- Wake surfing involves creating a plasma with strong electric and magnetic fields to accelerate particles.
- A new technique using nanoparticles in the plasma wake has led to unexpected high acceleration, reaching up to 10 G electron volts in experiments.
- The video also mentions an audio version of the science news available on Spotify and other podcast platforms.
Chapter 1
The video introduces the concept of high-energy particle colliders and physicists' interest in developing a new one.
- Physicists aim to build a new particle collider that can reach higher energies than the current most powerful one, the Large Hadron Collider.
Chapter 2
The video explains the challenges with the current size and cost of particle colliders.
- The size of particle colliders, like the 27 km circumference Large Hadron Collider, makes them expensive.
- CERN's proposed next collider would be even larger at 100 km long.
Chapter 3
The video describes wake surfing, a new method for accelerating particles.
- Wake surfing involves creating a plasma and using a laser to create a distortion that accelerates particles in its wake.
- The technique has been known for a while, but recent developments have significantly improved its effectiveness.
Chapter 4
The video details an innovative addition to the wake surfing process involving nanoparticles.
- Injecting nanoparticles into the laser's wake increases the electric field, enhancing particle acceleration.
- Experiments achieved electron acceleration up to 10 G electron volts, far surpassing expectations.
Chapter 5
The video compares the new method to the Large Hadron Collider and shares the presenter's perspective on particle physics.
- Although the Large Hadron Collider can achieve 7 ter electron volts per beam, the new method achieved high energies in just 10 cm.
- The presenter expresses a critical but hopeful view on the potential of particle physics advancements.
Chapter 6
The video concludes with information about an audio version of the science news and a farewell to the audience.
- An audio-only version of the science news is available on Spotify and other podcast platforms.
- The presenter, Sabina, thanks the viewers and announces her return in the next episode.
More Sabine Hossenfelder summaries
This New Semiconductor Could Revolutionize Computing
Sabine Hossenfelder
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have discovered a new semiconductor material, while YouTube introduces subscriber-first video access.
Is Nuclear Energy Green?
Sabine Hossenfelder
The video explores the pros and cons of nuclear power, detailing its impact on the environment, economy, and public perception.
It looks like AI will kill Quantum Computing
Sabine Hossenfelder
The video discusses the misconception about quantum computing as a solution to climate change and the practical relevance of quantum computers in the industry.
Bad News for Quantum Computing: Another Advantage Gone
Sabine Hossenfelder
The video discusses the dramatic developments in quantum computing, including debates over its utility and recent research challenging the effectiveness of noisy quantum computers.
Astrophysicists keep finding things that “shouldn’t exist”. I think I know why.
Sabine Hossenfelder
The video discusses the recurring discovery of astronomical objects that defy astrophysical predictions and explores the complexities of drawing conclusions in the field. It concludes with a promotion of Skillshare for learning productivity skills.