Electron Lens Schematic (IMAGE) DOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory Caption This is a schematic layout of electron lens components. An electron gun creates a low-energy electron beam that is transported into a superconducting magnet where the magnetic field keeps the electrons from being deflected by the more energetic protons circulating in RHIC. As the protons pass through the negatively charged electron beam, they experience a kick that compensates for the repulsive positive charge of the oncoming proton beam. These kicks nudge the protons toward the center of the beam to maximize proton collision rates. Credit Brookhaven National Laboratory Usage Restrictions OK for use with stories about implementation of electron lensing at RHIC License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.