The augmented reality
particle accelerator

Particle Accelerators
Radiation
Optics

Welcome to acceleratAR

Physics You Can Hold in Your Hands

Explore particle accelerators, radiation and light through augmented reality. acceleratAR is a free app that transforms four simple paper cubes into interactive physics experiments.

Designed for schools, outreach activities, museums and independent learners, it makes complex scientific concepts visible, interactive and engaging.

To start exploring, you will need the acceleratAR app and a set of cubes.  

Download our printable cube templates, assembly guide and classroom-ready resources. 

Explore Three Areas of Physics 
through acceleratAR

Particle Accelerators 

Discover how scientists accelerate, steer and focus particle beams using the same principles found in world-leading research facilities. 
Experiment with magnetic fields, focusing magnets and accelerating cavities to understand how modern particle accelerators work and why they are essential tools for scientific discovery. 

Explore
  • Particle sources
  • Charged particle motion in magnetic fields 
  • The design of machines used for physics research 

Light and Optics 

Discover how light travels, refracts and focuses. Use lenses, prisms and optical materials to investigate colour, refraction and image formation. Learn the physics behind technologies such as microscopes, telescopes, cameras and glasses. 

Explore
  • Refraction
  • Colour and wavelength 
  • Convex and concave lenses
  • Prisms and light dispersion 

Radiation

Investigate different types of radiation and discover how they interact with matter. Compare alpha, beta and gamma radiation, explore how radiation is detected, and test how different materials provide shielding. Observe how radiation behaves in real time and develop a deeper understanding of concepts that are important in medicine, industry and scientific research. 

Explore
  • Alpha, beta and gamma radiation 
  • Radiation detection 
  • Shielding materials 
  • Energy loss and absorption

How acceleratAR works

Using a mobile device and four paper cubes, learners can build and interact with virtual physics experiments in the real world. By moving and rotating the cubes, they explore how particles, radiation, and light behave, developing intuition through discovery rather than memorisation. 

Step 1

Download the acceleratAR app via the Google Play Store or Apple Store. Get the cubes by clicking here and filling out our form. They’ll be sent to your email inbox.

Step 2

Print and assemble the four paper cubes using our downloadable templates.

Step 3

Launch the app and point your device at the cubes.

Step 4

Move, rotate and combine the cubes to build interactive physics experiments in augmented reality. The position and orientation of each cube controls different aspects of the simulation, allowing learners to investigate how physical systems respond to changing conditions.  

Cube 1 – The Source 

The first cube represents the transmission of energy. It acts as a particle source, a radioactive source, or a light source depending on the experiment, with its orientation controlling the type of particles, radiation or light emitted.

Cube 2 – Steering 

The second cube controls the direction of beams. In particle accelerator experiments it steers particles using magnetic fields, while in optics it acts as a prism or glass block to change the path of light. This cube is not used in the radiation experiments.

Cube 3 – Focusing 

The third cube focuses and measures energy. In particle accelerator experiments it uses magnetic fields to focus particle beams, while in optics it becomes a convex or concave lens to focus or spread light. In radiation experiments, it acts as a Geiger counter to measure radiation intensity.

Cube 4 – Acceleration 

The fourth cube represents energy gain or loss. In particle accelerator experiments it acts as an RF cavity to accelerate particles, while in radiation experiments it becomes different shielding materials that absorb radiation. This cube is not used in the optics experiments.

More about acceleratAR

  • Seeing the Invisible: A Story of Discovery

    This question has driven science for thousands of years. From ancient ideas about light, to modern particle accelerators, scientists have…

The University of Liverpool is a leading centre for research and education, committed to advancing scientific discovery and public engagement. By supporting and funding the acceleratAR project, the University is helping make complex physics concepts more accessible through innovative augmented reality experiences, inspiring learners to explore science in an engaging and interactive way.

acceleratAR would not be the same without

acceleratAR is made by physics researchers, educators and science engagement professionals. The current content has been developed by:

  • Chris Edmonds

    (University of Liverpool, project lead)

  • Ellen Oldershaw
  • Maks Roman
  • Tom Gallagher

acceleratAR is made by physics researchers, educators and science engagement professionals. The current content has been developed by:

  • Andy Wolski

    (University of Liverpool)

  • Rob Appleby

    (University of Manchester)

  • Lee Jones

    (STFC/ASTeC)

  • Alex Alexandrova

    (University of Liverpool)

  • Alex Herrod

    (University of Liverpool)

  • Chris Edmonds

    (University of Liverpool, project lead)

Want to know more about acceleratAR?

Interested in using acceleratAR in your classroom, outreach programme or event? 
We would love to hear from you. Whether you have questions, feedback or ideas, please get in touch. 

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