About
The Physical Sciences Laboratory (PSL) has a rich history rooted in scientific innovation and the development of particle accelerator technology. Our origins trace back to 1954, when fourteen universities formed the Midwestern Universities Research Association (MURA) to design the next generation of high-energy accelerators. Working from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, MURA researchers pioneered advances in accelerator physics that helped shape modern particle physics research.
Among their achievements were breakthroughs in beam acceleration and storage ring technology that laid the foundation for modern colliding-beam accelerators. These innovations enabled scientists to achieve collision energies far beyond those possible with traditional accelerator designs and influenced major research facilities that followed.
As part of its research efforts, MURA established a facility southeast of Madison near Stoughton, Wisconsin. Chosen for its ideal geological conditions and proximity to the university, this site remains PSL’s home today. What may appear to be an unexpected location in rural Wisconsin was once selected as one of the most promising sites in the Midwest for advanced accelerator research.
Read more about PSL from a UW article here!
A Legacy of Innovation
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, MURA scientists developed groundbreaking technologies, including the spiral ridge cyclotron and the Fixed-Field Alternating-Gradient (FFAG) accelerator. Their work contributed to the design of major accelerator facilities at national laboratories and helped advance the field of high-energy physics.
The group was also an early adopter of large-scale computing. By acquiring an IBM 704—one of the first mass-produced computers and the largest non-military computer in the region—researchers were able to perform complex calculations of magnetic fields and particle trajectories. This computing capability not only accelerated scientific discovery but also supported local industry and university research, helping fund future expansion.
Following the conclusion of the MURA project in the 1960s, the University of Wisconsin–Madison assumed stewardship of the facilities and established the Physical Sciences Laboratory. PSL was chartered to provide advanced engineering, scientific instrumentation, and technology development services in support of university research and innovation.
Growing Beyond Physics
Building on the expertise of its founding staff, PSL initially supported major physics programs, including the operation of the Tantalus electron storage ring—the first storage ring developed specifically for research users. As new technologies emerged and partnerships expanded, PSL broadened its capabilities to support a wide range of disciplines.
Over the decades, PSL has provided engineering, fabrication, electronics, software, instrumentation, and systems integration services for projects spanning:
- Physics and astronomy
- Medical and veterinary sciences
- Geology and environmental science
- Biology and biotechnology
- Advanced manufacturing and engineering
- National laboratory and industry collaborations
The laboratory also played an important role in the growth of the Synchrotron Radiation Center (SRC), which evolved into a nationally recognized research facility and operated for more than three decades.
PSL Today
Today, PSL is recognized as a trusted engineering and technology partner for researchers, public institutions, and private industry around the world. Since its founding, PSL has completed more than 6,000 projects ranging from custom instrumentation and prototype development to large-scale scientific infrastructure.
Our teams have contributed to some of the world’s most ambitious scientific endeavors, including the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, while continuing to support hundreds of innovative projects across diverse scientific and technical fields.
What began as a pioneering accelerator research group has evolved into a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to solving complex technical challenges and advancing discovery through engineering excellence.
Nobel Prize Recognition
Celebrating Francis Halzen and the discovery of high-energy astrophysical neutrinos
In 2026, University of Wisconsin–Madison Professor Francis Halzen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.
Halzen conceived the idea of using the pristine ice beneath the South Pole as a detector for these elusive particles. His vision grew into IceCube, a cubic-kilometer neutrino observatory containing thousands of light sensors embedded deep within the Antarctic ice. In 2013, IceCube detected high-energy neutrinos originating beyond our solar system, opening a new way of studying some of the most energetic phenomena in the universe and establishing neutrino astronomy as a powerful tool for exploring the cosmos.
The achievement reflects decades of collaboration among scientists, engineers, technicians, and institutions around the world. The Physical Sciences Laboratory played an important role in bringing this ambitious scientific vision to reality, providing engineering, fabrication, testing, and deployment expertise for IceCube and its specialized drilling systems. PSL designed and built the hot water drill used to create the deep holes required to deploy the detector strings, and PSL engineers and staff supported the project through construction and deployment at the South Pole.
Halzen has recognized PSL as an important part of the research infrastructure that made IceCube possible, highlighting the talented engineers and technical expertise that supported the project. His Nobel Prize celebrates not only a groundbreaking scientific idea, but also the collaborative effort and engineering innovation that transformed that idea into one of the world’s most remarkable scientific observatories.
PSL proudly congratulates Francis Halzen on receiving the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics. We are honored to have contributed to the IceCube project and to have been part of the extraordinary scientific and engineering effort behind this groundbreaking work!
Learn more about the amazing Francis Halzen at the links below!
Workplace Culture
At PSL, our greatest strength is our people. While we take pride in tackling complex engineering and scientific challenges, we also value the strong sense of community that makes PSL a unique place to work.
We foster a collaborative and supportive environment where engineers, technicians, scientists, and administrative staff work closely together and celebrate successes as a team. Many employees have built long careers at PSL, contributing to a culture of trust, mentorship, and shared purpose.
Throughout the year, we bring employees together through a variety of events and traditions, including: annual Halloween costume celebrations, company outings and team-building events, employee talent shows and more!
These traditions help strengthen the connections between colleagues and reinforce the welcoming, family-like atmosphere that has been a part of PSL for generations.
At PSL, innovation is driven not only by technical expertise, but also by the relationships, collaboration, and sense of community that unite our team.
Halloween!
Kurt Studt dressed up as Prussian Military Officer and Terry Benson dressed up as an Eagle Fang Karate Master.
Talent Show in Antarctica
Two PSL employee’s performing on stage at PSL’s talent show, for other staff, while in the South Pole!
South Pole Dinner
PSL Staff enjoying each other’s company for a Christmas dinner, while in the South Pole.