The impact of Einstein's theory of special relativity on particle accelerators

We describe the consequences of the theory of special relativity on particle accelerators and present a historical overview of their evolution and contributions to science and the present limitations of existing accelerator technology. We report recent results of our experiment where we succeeded in accelerating relativistic electrons with visible light in vacuum. The experimental demonstration is the first of its kind and is the proof of principle for future linear laser-driven particle acceleration schemes in vacuum that may lead to the realization of electron-positron colliders beyond the TeV scale.