Participants were encouraged to submit a photograph accompanied by a short description. Once all submissions were collected, the centre community had the opportunity to vote for their favourite photograph.

We are delighted to announce that the winning image was submitted by Elias Gerstmayr!

“Laboratory Astrophysics”
Northern lights or wakefield accelerator?

From right to left:
An intense laser pulse drives a laser wakefield-accelerator in a plasma channel (blue), generating GeV electron beams using the ZEUS laser in Michigan (USA). The laser pulse reflects off a replenishable tape drive plasma mirror and collides with the accelerated electron beam to generate high-energy radiation from inverse Compton scattering.  Streaks of green appear as the reflected laser ablates the surface of the plastic gas nozzle and tape.

Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their work. This competition was a fantastic reminder of the creativity and camaraderie within our research community. Congratulations again to Elias Gerstmayr for the winning entry!