New ideas for accelerating particles

Many different schemes can be devised for accelerating particles. In recent years several concepts radically different from those in common use have been suggested. Many of these have failed to live up to the hopes of their inventors. Now that we seem near the end of the road for large conventional machines, there is a renewed interest in alternatives, especially those involving lasers. Afte After a brief historical introduction and a discussion on how to classify different types of accelerator, some of these alternative concepts will be reviewed. (author)