EuPRAXIA

The EuPRAXIA project aims at the construction of an innovative electron accelerator using laser- and electron-beam-driven plasma wakefield acceleration that offers a significant reduction in size and possible savings in cost over current state-of-the-art radiofrequency-based accelerators. It is the first European project that develops a dedicated particle accelerator research infrastructure based on novel plasma acceleration concepts and laser technology. EuPRAXIA envisions a beam energy of 1 to 5 giga-electron volts (GeV) and a beam quality (single pulse) equivalent to present RF-based linacs. Its performance goals will enable versatile applications in various domains, e.g. as a compact free-electron laser (FEL), compact sources for medical imaging and positron generation, table-top test beams for particle detectors, as well as deeply penetrating X-ray and gamma-ray sources for material testing. The project also provides unique opportunities for education and training in innovative technologies in the European Research Area and beyond. In 2021, EuPRAXIA was included in the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) Roadmap, which identifies those research facilities of pan-European importance that correspond to the long-term needs of the European research communities. This project has received funding from the European Union´s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme; the UK Research and Innovation Guarantee Funds; the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation; and the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research through the Next Generation EU recovery funds (PNRR).