A bubble chamber is a device used in particle physics to detect charged particles. It consists of a sealed chamber filled with a superheated liquid, usually a type of alcohol. When a charged particle passes through the chamber, it ionizes the liquid along its path, creating tiny bubbles that form as the liquid vaporizes. These bubbles can be photographed, allowing scientists to study the particle's trajectory and properties. Developed in the 1950s by Donald Glaser, the bubble chamber was instrumental in discovering new particles and understanding fundamental forces. It operates under the principle that changes in pressure and temperature can lead to the formation of bubbles, making it a valuable tool in experimental physics.