Feature Holometer team develops new laser-based cutting technique Just in time for Halloween, Fermilab's Holometer collaboration has finished the first test run of a new laser-based technique to cut materials with soft tissue and hard surfaces. Experimenting in the Holometer laser lab located near the Meson Building, Ray Tomlin and his colleagues successfully used a 2,000-watt laser to cut intricate patterns into leather, pumpkins and candy bars. "We are thrilled," said Aaron Chou, who is the spokesperson for the Holometer collaboration. "We've spent months tuning the laser and eliminating background noise. Now we finally are in a position to demonstrate that our laser is ready to test the fabric of the universe and cut leather for a suit." Originally designed to look for the structure of space at the smallest scales, the precision laser displayed its extraordinary qualities when collaboration member Ray Tomlin put on his safety glasses and placed an apple into the laser beam. Within seconds, the laser produced perfectly shaped apple slices, and the scent of apple cider spread across the lab. "I will never forget that moment," Tomlin said. "My colleagues handed me the caramel dip, and it was heaven." Fermilab employees interested in learning more about this laser application are invited to attend a cutting demonstration at 8 p.m. tonight, Oct. 31, at the laser lab. The Holometer team would appreciate if attendees brought extra pumpkins and candy. —Kurt EEEE!sselmann Milestone CMS uncovers the elusive pumpkin particle Feature Strange creatures sighted on Fermilab site In the past three decades, the state of Illinois has not received a single report of a coyote attacking a human. However, just this month, several employees and visitors have reported being bitten or scratched by a coyote-like animal on site. Neighbors have reported unusual howling sounds coming from the woods at night and a small uptick in missing pets at certain times of the month. The situation is under investigation, but until ecologists can put together a full report, employees and visitors are advised to avoid all wild animals in the canine family, particularly ones that: 1. Seem to be larger than a typical coyote, with a squared muzzle and shorter, rounded ears. 2. Howl instead of yip or yelp. 3. Seem to appear out of nowhere after a cloud shifts, revealing a full moon. 4. Seem to be wearing ripped clothing or even glasses. 5. Walk on hind legs. 6. Bear a strange resemblance to a neighbor or coworker. Remember: You are our eyes and ears on the site. Please report all incidents to Fermilab ecology, and, in the event of an encounter with such a creature, please note the timing on a lunar calendar and visit Fermilab medical during daylight hours. —Kat-eye Jepsen In the News Mini pumpkin collider From Blogspot.com, Oct. 27, 2013 Today my partner brought home a pumpkin to carve for Halloween. Since I've never carved a pumpkin before (I know! How sad!) he left the decision of what to carve up to me. So I did what every sensible person does and asked on Twitter what I should carve, which revealed the design of DNA. But that's biology. I'm a physicist. But it got me thinking ... this year's most welcome news in my field was the recent awarding of the Nobel Prize to Higgs and Englert. Well, there was only one thing I could carve. Dear readers, I present you with my very own Mini Pumpkin Collider! Read more