236 unifying physics of accelerators, lasers and plasma
erties of elementary particles (on one axis), and acceleratorbased devices for medical applications (on the other axis).
The criteria suggested by Donald Stokes are universal and
applicable to any scientific and technological area. By applying these criteria to accelerator science and technology, we
can conclude that the preferred direction — which best balances the fundamental pursuit of knowledge with consideration of use — will be the direction to create novel light
sources. Efforts made in this direction could potentially produce scientific instruments applicable to the investigation of
protein structures or materials, which may also be almost directly applicable to the creation of new medicines or metals
with controllable properties.
This analysis also shows that — as in many other disciplines — accelerator science and technology, in synergy with
lasers and plasma physics, can truly span the entire range of
directions — from pure fundamental science to pure applied
development.
The research and technology innovation model is indeed
not just linear, but at least two-dimensional, as Stokes outlined in his revised dynamic model. In the 21st century, the
driving forces of technological innovation — as well as the
global pact between science and society — are different than
they were in the middle of the last century. The revised criteria — as illustrated in this section via the example of accelerator science — are universal, and can be applied to any
discipline, which can help us to optimize the impact of our
research investments on our economy and society.
11.5 How to cross the Valley of Death
Powerful beams of light, heat rays — now called lasers — are
features of H.G. Wells’ and Alexey Tolstoy’s science fiction
stories that have excited many generations of future inventors and scientists. These stories thrilled crowds of kids (and
adults) as they rambled along back streets dreaming of having lasers in their pockets.
The curiosity and imagination of the younger generation
is the fuel that enables the development of our civilization.
The challenge for governments, educational institutions and
societies is to understand how to nurture and later harness
these attributes.
The first visible light lasers (with a wavelength of light
of about half a micrometer) were typically big when they
were created half a century ago, even huge, and certainly
not pocket size. Now, miniature lasers are in CD players,
bar-scanners in shops, laser-pointers — practically everywhere. However, lasers with a much shorter wavelength, in
the Angstrom range (light in the X-ray spectrum), have only
just become available. Called free electron lasers, they are a
erties of elementary particles (on one axis), and acceleratorbased devices for medical applications (on the other axis).
The criteria suggested by Donald Stokes are universal and
applicable to any scientific and technological area. By applying these criteria to accelerator science and technology, we
can conclude that the preferred direction — which best balances the fundamental pursuit of knowledge with consideration of use — will be the direction to create novel light
sources. Efforts made in this direction could potentially produce scientific instruments applicable to the investigation of
protein structures or materials, which may also be almost directly applicable to the creation of new medicines or metals
with controllable properties.
This analysis also shows that — as in many other disciplines — accelerator science and technology, in synergy with
lasers and plasma physics, can truly span the entire range of
directions — from pure fundamental science to pure applied
development.
The research and technology innovation model is indeed
not just linear, but at least two-dimensional, as Stokes outlined in his revised dynamic model. In the 21st century, the
driving forces of technological innovation — as well as the
global pact between science and society — are different than
they were in the middle of the last century. The revised criteria — as illustrated in this section via the example of accelerator science — are universal, and can be applied to any
discipline, which can help us to optimize the impact of our
research investments on our economy and society.
11.5 How to cross the Valley of Death
Powerful beams of light, heat rays — now called lasers — are
features of H.G. Wells’ and Alexey Tolstoy’s science fiction
stories that have excited many generations of future inventors and scientists. These stories thrilled crowds of kids (and
adults) as they rambled along back streets dreaming of having lasers in their pockets.
The curiosity and imagination of the younger generation
is the fuel that enables the development of our civilization.
The challenge for governments, educational institutions and
societies is to understand how to nurture and later harness
these attributes.
The first visible light lasers (with a wavelength of light
of about half a micrometer) were typically big when they
were created half a century ago, even huge, and certainly
not pocket size. Now, miniature lasers are in CD players,
bar-scanners in shops, laser-pointers — practically everywhere. However, lasers with a much shorter wavelength, in
the Angstrom range (light in the X-ray spectrum), have only
just become available. Called free electron lasers, they are a