Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a groundbreaking technology: a compact laser-plasma accelerator (LPA) that is just about a foot long but can create and detect muon beams. This device uses intense laser pulses to accelerate electrons, which then generate muons in larger quantities and with better directionality. This opens up exciting possibilities for non-destructive imaging of large or hidden structures.
Traditionally, generating muons has been a challenge. Older methods are often bulky and costly. Many imaging techniques rely on unpredictable cosmic rays, making them less reliable. In contrast, this new LPA can produce muons much more quickly—what used to take months can now happen in just minutes.
Muon beams are particularly effective because of their unique ability to penetrate dense materials. Unlike X-rays, which get absorbed, muons lose energy slowly. That makes them ideal for investigating things like the hidden chambers in the Great Pyramid of Giza or the geological layers of volcanoes.
A recent study published in Physical Review Accelerators and Beams emphasizes the LPA’s efficiency. Each second, cosmic rays shower the Earth, sending about 147 muons through every square meter. However, the new LPA can generate over 20 muons per shot, significantly improving imaging resolution and speed.
At Berkeley Lab’s BELLA Facility, the team successfully accelerated electrons to very high energies in a compact plasma channel. These electrons collide with a dense material, like lead, creating muons through a process that’s both efficient and controlled.
The experimental results show two types of muons produced: high-energy, directional muons concentrated along the electron path, and lower-energy muons that are more spread out. Notably, the LPA produced muon fluxes more than 40 times higher than what cosmic rays would provide for horizontal imaging.
Experts in imaging technology suggest that this breakthrough could revolutionize how we explore and understand complex structures. Beyond archaeological digs and geological studies, applications might extend to nuclear waste inspection and security assessments.
In short, the Berkeley Lab’s new compact laser-plasma accelerator is set to change the way we look at the world around us, offering precise imaging opportunities previously hindered by technological limitations. This advancement not only enhances our ability to visualize hidden structures but also marks a significant leap forward in the field of particle physics.
For more information, you can check out the full study here.
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