New components will double the energy of the electrons accelerated in this unique superconducting 7/8-mile racetrack.

Jefferson Lab is a nuclear physics research lab operated by the Jefferson Science Associates, LLC, for the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. An international community of about 1,200 scientists conducts research to expand the understanding of the structure of matter and the forces that hold the atom's nucleus together.

Superconducting electron accelerating technology makes Jefferson Lab unique. The electron beam recirculates up to five times through two linear accelerators using this technology. The beam reaches energies up to almost 6 billion electron volts (6 GeV) before it is split for simultaneous use in three experimental halls.

To realize new and compelling research opportunities that exist beyond Jefferson Lab's present capabilities, the accelerating facility and its experimental equipment must be upgraded. This upgrade, which doubles the electron beam's energy to 12 billion electron volts, includes adding accelerating modules, constructing a new experimental hall, and upgrading existing research equipment.