Many scientists, engineers, and technicians at Brookhaven Lab have contributed to accelerator physics experiments (APEX studies) to test strategies for improving the performance of the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and to inform the design of the future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). This photo captures some of them in the Main Control Room of the Lab's Collider-Accelerator Department. Front row, left to right: Xiaofeng Gu, Alexei Fedotov, Guillaume Robert-Demolaize, Haixin Huang, Yun Luo, Peng Xu, Chuyu Liu. Rear, zigzagging left to right: Igor Pinayev, Sergei Seletskiy, Henry Lovelace III, Frank Rathmann, Vera Shmakova, Steve Peggs, Angelika Drees, Medani Sangroula, Dmitry Kayran, Travis Shrey.

The Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) consists of twin rings of superconducting magnets carrying ions (atomic nuclei stripped of their electrons) in opposite directions (see particles collide). The Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) will reuse one of these ion storage rings and add an electron accelerator, an electron storage ring, and other accelerator infrastructure to collide electrons with protons or ions.

Many of the APEX studies are exploring strategies for increasing the EIC's luminosity, a measure that helps determine how frequently electrons and ions will collide. More collisions mean more data and more potential for discoveries.

Schematic showing how an electron accelerator ring, an electron storage ring, and other accelerator components will be added to an existing ion storage ring and ion pre-accelerator components to create the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). (Valerie Lentz/Brookhaven National Laboratory)