The Particle Beam Physics Laboratory (PBPL) is a state-of-the-art center for research into beam physics and accelerator technologies. Relativistic particle beams and the accelerators which produce them have served as cutting edge tools in scientific research for three-quarters of a century. The practitioners of accelerator science can thus be placed in a tradition of instrument development dating back to Galileo. In the present time, beam physics is a vibrant, cross-disciplinary enterprise, which intersects heavily with high-energy density science, plasma physics, ultra-fast lasers, nonlinear dynamics and various high-field/high-power technologies. In addition, applications extend from the energy frontier in particle physics, to ultra-fast phenomena in biology and materials, and to industrial and medical uses.

PBPL research covers a wide range of beam dynamics and acceleration methods; beam-radiation interaction and productions; beam-plasma interactions; beam-matter interactions and diagnostics. Our work includes the creation of ultra-fast, high-brightness electron beams; the application of such beams to advanced accelerators using lasers and/or plasmas; the creation of new types of light sources, such as free-electron lasers and inverse-Compton scattering sources based on high brightness electron beams.