View larger version | Scientists think that a laser pumped through plasma could open the way for a new generation of particle accelerators. As a laser (pink) shoots through the plasma, the pulse creates a wake that scatters electrons. Positive ions are left in a well behind the laser, and the resulting pattern of charges generates a wave that follows behind the laser. By hanging ten on that wave, electrons are pushed forward and accelerated to very high speeds. Credit: Nicolle Rager Fuller