Accelerator Basics

What does a particle accelerator do?

1. Creates an environment wherein two different entities are forced into collisions with each other in order to create an explosion.

2. The entities are forced to collide in order that information might be gained from the resultant “debris” of the collisions.

3. It is believed that the ultimate particles that hold the universe together are found somewhere in nature, only not where scientists have been able to look. By creating this explosive environment scientists believe that they can create a similar environment to the first explosion, the Big Bang that scientists believe started the universe as we know it. From these mini Bangs scientists hope to identify and then study these elusive particles that hold the secret to the origin and make-up of our universe.

4. For over fifty years these collisions have produced scores of new particles and an increasing understanding of the universe. Even more mini bangs have produced some unexpected results as well, directing scientists to re-direct their inquiries and modify their understanding of the way the universe works.

5. Consequently, these new experiments and the increasing need to expand and improve the accelerators themselves have also produced new understandings, new technologies, and new questions.