I Walked Inside America's Newest Particle Accelerator

Accelerator Ladders

Engineers can scuttle up and down the ladders situated along the accelerator. Photo: Isaac Schultz

In a rush, engineers working on the accelerator can clamber up a number of ladders that connect the electron beam below ground to the various systems aboveground. The aboveground systems make sure the electrons, which emit the X-rays, are being produced and pulsed out at the correct rate.

There are also normal stairs that connect the building above to the tunnel, but sometimes scientists have to move fast.

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