Events

Science on Tap: Laser-Powered Accelerators: Shrinking the Atom Smasher

High‑energy particle accelerators have fundamentally reshaped our understanding of matter and the universe. From the earliest “atom smashers” to today’s sophisticated machines capable of probing the smallest subatomic scales, accelerator technology has continuously expanded the boundaries of science and discovery.

We are now entering a transformative new era with the advent of compact laser‑powered accelerators (LPAs). By achieving accelerating field gradients up to 1,000 times greater than those of conventional technologies, LPAs dramatically reduce the size and cost of high‑energy accelerators. This breakthrough has the potential to democratize access to accelerator‑based science, opening the door to applications ranging from fundamental physics research to medicine, industry, and national security. In this talk, Dr. Milton will explore how laser‑powered accelerators work, why they represent a paradigm shift, and what their emergence means for the future of science and technology.

Event Details-Summer Hours

• Friday, June 5, 2026 | Doors Open at 6:00 pm | Presentation at 6:30 pm
• Location: National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
• Admission: $12 per person
• Requirement: Must be 21+ to attend. An adult must accompany younger guests.

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MEET OUR SPEAKER

Dr. Stephen Milton has devoted his career to the design, construction, operation, and study of particle accelerators and high‑power laser systems. After leading the Accelerator Operations and Technology Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory, he joined the startup TAU Systems as Vice President for Accelerator Science, where he now focuses on commercializing laser‑powered accelerator technology.

Dr. Milton earned his Ph.D. in physics from Cornell University and is a Fellow of both the American Physical Society (APS) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He is also a recipient of the IEEE Particle Accelerator Science and Technology Award. While he can provide informed insight on nearly any topic involving accelerators and lasers, inquiries into ancient Greek mythology are best avoided—the answers may be entertaining, but accuracy is not guaranteed.