Research Areas

The DOE's Office of High Energy Physics supports approximately 2,400 researchers and students at more than 100 U.S. universities and ten national laboratories. From uncovering new laws of nature to shedding light on the mysterious 96 percent of the universe that we cannot see, these physicists carry out scientific campaigns to explore the energy, intensity, and cosmic frontiers of discovery. In addition to advancing our fundamental knowledge of the universe that strengthens all of the physical sciences, the research supported by DOE HEP also leads to the development of new technologies and inspires a new generation of students to work at the cutting edge of science. DOE HEP organizes these research activities into major categories: proton accelerator-based physics, electron accelerator-based physics, non-accelerator physics, theoretical physics, and advanced technology R&D.

	Proton Accelerator-Based Physics The journey to the energy frontier begins with the proton accelerator. Capable of producing the highest-energy particle beams made by man, the proton accelerator allows physicists to study the very small and at the same time, recreate the conditions of the early universe.
	Electron Accelerator-Based Physics While proton accelerators provide the most powerful means for exploring the quantum universe, electron accelerators are the most precise. Proton accelerators provide the big picture. Electron accelerators zoom in to focus on the details.
	Non-Accelerator Physics The field of non-accelerator physics uses naturally occurring particles and phenomena to explore the cosmic frontier of particle physics. Cosmic rays in the earth's atmosphere and neutrinos from the sun serve as some of the non-accelerator-based particle sources.
	Theoretical Physics Theoretical physics provides the framework for interpreting, understanding and extending the knowledge of particles, forces, space-time and the universe. Theorists transforms detailed observations and measurements into models that lead to scientific exploration and discovery.
	Advanced Technology R&D In order to solve the great mysteries about the fundamental laws of nature, scientists require new tools, technologies and techniques that enable them to see more deeply into the quantum universe than they ever have before.