Electrons surf protons’ waves in a new kind of particle accelerator

The negatively charged particles surf ripples created by protons shot through plasma

AWAKE plasma cell

WAKE UP  In a demonstration of a new particle accelerator technology, physicists with the AWAKE experiment (plasma cell, shown) accelerated electrons on the wakes of protons plowing through plasma.

Maximilien Brice/CERN

Particle accelerator technology has crested a new wave.