The Search for New Elementary Particles at the CERN Large Hadron Collider
| Date/Time: | Monday, 20 Feb 2012 - Wednesday, 22 Feb 2012 |
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| Location: | Physics Hall Room 5 |
| Phone: | 515-294-5441 |
| Channel: | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences |
| Actions: | Download iCal/vCal | Email Reminder |
Abstract
The Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland, has begun its study of physics at distances 10,000 times smaller than an atomic nucleus.
This accelerator and its experiments are enormous in many respects---in the physical size of the facilities, in the sizes of the experimental teams, but also in the stakes for our understanding of elementary particles, mass, and the universe. In this colloquium, I will describe the physics questions that motivate the LHC experiments, the detectors that are designed to meet these goals, and the challenges that the experiments must overcome. I will show some of the first results from the LHC. I will describe the methods that will be used at the LHC in the coming year to search for new types of elementary particles and forces.