Oxford Particle Physics Consolidated Grant 2024

Particle physics seeks to elucidate the Universe, its birth, evolution and fate by examining the interactions among elementary particles, fundamental forces, force-mediating particles, and the recently discovered Higgs particle, which endows elementary particles with mass. While the past decades have witnessed the formulation of a theoretical framework known as the Standard Model, capable of explaining a vast array of particle-physics data, this model remains incomplete. Although it accounts for phenomena observed on Earth, observations of the cosmos point to the existence of enigmatic dark matter, responsible for binding galaxies together, and dark energy, which propels galaxies apart at an accelerating pace. These unresolved mysteries render this era particularly compelling for particle physicists. Oxford's research promises to significantly advance our comprehension of any forthcoming "new-physics" paradigm, superseding the Standard Model by furnishing crucial data to inform theoretical endeavours aimed at its development. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) recreates conditions akin to those moments following the Big Bang, offering a profound opportunity for exploration. Oxford is pivotal in the ATLAS and LHCb experiments, poised to revolutionise our understanding of the cosmos. Notably, within ATLAS, Oxford physicists played a crucial role in discovering the Higgs particle, akin to drawing back a veil and revealing a new realm for exploration. Accordingly, we are studying it in great detail. We are also searching for particles predicted by "supersymmetry" (SUSY), a theory that would provide a solution to "dark matter". Oxford physicists engaged in the LHCb experiment strive to unravel the origin of matter-antimatter asymmetry by studying subtle differences in the behaviour of quarks and antiquarks—a phenomenon known as "CP-violation"—underpinning our existence. Anticipating a decade of advancements, the LHC is poised for upgrades, enhancing energy and intensity, necessitating improvements to the ATLAS and LHCb detectors. These upgrades, in which Oxford plays a key role, will lead to unprecedented sensitivity levels, facilitating the detection of novel physics phenomena. By leveraging excellent computational resources, Oxford develops cutting-edge analysis tools vital for distilling essential discoveries from vast datasets. Oxford engages in high-precision experiments complementary to the LHC's large-scale endeavours. In addressing pivotal inquiries within particle physics and cosmology, such as the search for dark matter, Oxford contributes to projects like LZ and DarkSide-20k. These experiments explore the possibility of the lightest SUSY particle as a candidate for dark matter. We are also searching for light-dark matter using quantum sensors and building the first large-scale atom interferometer in the UK to search for light-dark matter particles and gravitational waves (AION). We are also part of MAGIS-100, a 100 m tall device under construction at Fermilab in the US. Furthermore, initiatives like Mu3e explore new physics mediated by exceedingly heavy particles, anticipated in various theoretical models, including SUSY, which may elude detection at the LHC. Through projects such as T2K, SK, HK, MicroBooNE, SBND, and DUNE, Oxford aims to understand the elusive neutrino, its "oscillation" from one type to another and whether there is a difference between neutrino and anti-neutrino properties - "CP-violation". Additionally, the SNO+ experiment endeavours to shed light on additional neutrino properties, such as whether it behaves as its antiparticle. Oxford remains committed to advancing mechanical and electronic design capabilities through these activities and continues to drive research and development for constructing cutting-edge detectors vital for the next generation of particle physics exploration.