Here are some of the specific components that were shipped to Jefferson Lab from Argonne's Advanced Photon Source. Some of the pieces that would have been discarded have been used in the LOVEwork at Jefferson Lab:
- BPMs (beam position monitors) are used in particle accelerators to measure the position of a particle beam relative to the center of the beam pipe. They work by detecting the electromagnetic fields produced by the beam as it passes through, providing real-time data for beam steering and stabilization.
- Vacuum chambers in particle accelerators are enclosures that maintain a low-pressure environment to minimize interactions between the particle beam and air molecules. This allows particles to travel at high speeds without significant energy loss or scattering.
- Vacuum flanges are connectors that join different sections of the vacuum chamber while maintaining a seal to preserve the low-pressure environment. They ensure a leak-tight connection, allowing for modular assembly and maintenance of the accelerator components.
Virginia is for science lovers! And the U.S. Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is the gateway to science in Virginia. Its cutting-edge research studies the atom’s nucleus to reveal the forces that build our visible universe; its scientific and technological advances provides far-reaching benefits and serves as a significant economic engine for the local community, the Commonwealth and the nation.
The LOVEwork at Jefferson Lab is more than just a visually-stunning piece of upcycled art. This larger-than-life icon embodies the spirit of collaboration and innovation throughout the Department of Energy, the Commonwealth of Virginia and our local communities.
The LOVEwork series, established by the Virginia Tourism Corporation in 2013, has become a beloved statewide icon. Over 300 installations adorn cities, towns, and attractions across the Commonwealth. Each LOVEwork uniquely represents the local community, often incorporating elements that reflect its culture, history, or industries.
For Jefferson Lab, a desire to showcase a spirit of scientific and technological innovation while also promoting environmental stewardship in our own backyard – the coastal city of Newport News - drove the decision to construct our own LOVEwork masterpiece.
The LOVE letters were constructed from repurposed Advanced Photon Source (APS) light source vacuum chambers, once attached to magnets from the APS at Argonne National Laboratory.
After being used for more than 30 years, Argonne shipped these magnets to Jefferson Lab for re-use in the Electron-Ion Collider being built in New York by Brookhaven National Laboratory and Jefferson Lab.
The EIC will be a 2.4 mile-circumference particle collider, a massive machine that will let scientists from various national labs and universities across the world look deep inside the tiniest pieces that make up the nucleus of atoms, the protons and neutrons.
What they discover at the EIC could lead to amazing new technologies that have broad-ranging impact on human health and national challenges.
The remnants of what was needed for what will be the EIC were then used for construction in the LOVEwork at Jefferson Lab.
By repurposing what was once components fundamental to conducting groundbreaking physics research for artistic endeavors, the LOVE letters celebrate a love of science, the Commonwealth and the cooperative efforts across the Department of Energy's network.
Creating the LOVEwork at Jefferson Lab perfectly demonstrates the power of creatively finding new ways to reimagine and give new life to unlikely materials. This unique piece of art embodies the spirit of Virginia's iconic "Virginia is for Lovers®" slogan and celebrates our commitment to sustainably reusing materials and equipment.
This ambitious project was designed and built by Jefferson Lab staff. More than just a creative intersection of art and science, it is a testament to the lab's commitment to sustainability, education and community engagement.
The Department of Energy was able to keep thousands of pounds of aluminum and vacuum chambers from being discarded by repurposing accelerator parts from Argonne National Lab. Rather than being discarded as garbage, each component's unique shape and texture has been strategically incorporated into the intricate design to form meaningful artistic elements. In addition, the "O" periodically rotates the center art display with STEM-centric art contributions from Jefferson Lab staff and the local community.
The LOVE letters serve as a visual reminder of ways to reduce, reuse and recycle in our daily lives. From repurposing household objects into creative décor to donating gently used goods for others to upcycle, there are limitless opportunities to cut down on waste.
The LOVEwork at Jefferson Lab showcases the laboratory's commitment to innovation, creativity, and sustainability, aligning with the Department of Energy's goals of advancing scientific research and promoting responsible resource management. This beautiful recycling effort challenges us to rethink our perceptions of trash versus treasure and find inspired ways to breathe new life into items once their original purpose has been served.
The LOVEwork at Jefferson Lab is a larger-than-life, science-themed version of a classic Virginia icon. The sheer scale and complexity of the LOVE letters are a feat of engineering designed to withstand 115 MPH wind loads, ensuring it will remain in place through the most severe weather conditions.
Towering 8 feet into the air and spanning more than 20 feet wide, this Jefferson Lab staff-led project repurposed aluminum from Advanced Photon Source (APS) light source vacuum chambers, once used in magnets from the APS at Argonne National Lab.
The project was conceptualized, machined, fabricated and welded by staff members at Jefferson Lab. It stands as a powerful symbol of the lab's dedication to sustainable practices, educational initiatives, and active engagement with the local community.
The center "O" will feature rotating science-based art installations contributed by employees from all corners of the lab. From delicate kinetic pieces to thought-provoking static designs, these exhibits symbolize our staff's diverse talents beyond the sciences. The interchangeable nature allows for a continuous refresh with new, creative energy.
The towering letters themselves vary greatly in weight— ranging from 150 to 500 pounds per letter! In total more than 1,500 pounds of materials were sorted, welded, and shaped into this iconic LOVEwork series representation of "Virginia is for Science Lovers."
The transformation of turning what could have been thousands of pounds of discarded aluminum into an iconic LOVEwork series representation of "Virginia is for Science Lovers" highlights an enthusiasm for science, a love of community and the Commonwealth, and the power of collaboration across the Department of Energy.
