Professor Howard Lee in the UC Irvine Department of Physics & Astronomy has been named a 2025 Experimental Physics Investigator by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. The funding will support Lee in advancing groundbreaking research in nanoscale electron acceleration technology. Lee is developing the world’s first nanoscale electron accelerator by merging advanced nano-optical materials and nanostructures with laser wakefield acceleration. Unlike traditional accelerators such as the Large Hadron Collider that require extensive long well-defined channels, Lee’s apparatus uses nanoscale solid-state materials and high-power ultrafast lasers to accelerate electrons and generate X-rays.

“This award is significant since it allows me to pursue an entirely new research direction not previously explored,” Lee said. “Given the current funding climate, the opportunity to support research with bold new ideas is truly game-changing for my group, allowing us to further advance optical science and technology. I am deeply grateful to the Moore Foundation for their generous support.” Lee’s work could enable new medical therapies, including laser wakefield accelerator optical fiber endoscope probes and free electron laser devices for next-generation biomedical and imaging technologies. When integrated into optical fibers, these nanoscale accelerators could open transformative biomedical applications, including advanced cancer treatments.

Click here or visit https://heyzine.com/flip-book/2025SoPS#page/1 to read the full article in the 2025 UC Irvine School of Physical Sciences Deans Report.

Author: Gabrielle Comfort