US test accelerator fires first proton beams to power future colliders

US researchers at Fermilab have successfully accelerated and stored the first proton beams in the FAST/IOTA test accelerator, marking a significant advancement in particle accelerator R&D. The proton beams circulate in the IOTA ring at about 7% of the speed of light, enabling scientists to explore new methods for controlling and stabilizing high-intensity beams. This facility, combining a low-voltage proton source with a radio-frequency quadrupole accelerator, allows experiments without disrupting larger production accelerators, providing a flexible platform for testing innovative accelerator technologies. The achievement supports ongoing upgrades to Fermilab’s proton accelerator complex, including the PIP-II project, which aims to deliver higher-intensity beams for neutrino experiments such as the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment. FAST/IOTA also pioneers the integration of artificial intelligence in accelerator design and operation, using detailed digital models to simulate machine behavior and train AI systems. These virtual accelerators help optimize performance and identify new configurations before physical testing, potentially transforming how particle accelerators