What’s on : Lectures

The Big Bang Machine: Hunting the Higgs Boson

Lectures
Date
23 Apr 2013
Start time
7:30 PM
Venue
Tempest Anderson Hall
Speaker
Dr Peter Edwards
The Big Bang Machine: Hunting the Higgs Boson

Event Information

The Big Bang Machine: Hunting the Higgs Boson

Dr Peter Edwards, Department of Physics, University of Durham

In November 2009, following repairs, the start button for the biggest scientific experiment in the history of humankind was pressed. Using the energy required to power Geneva, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will investigate many of the mysteries that the universe has kept hidden since its birth. Using the LHC we hope to travel back to the Big Bang, create mini black holes, and reveal the nature of the dark side of the universe. Come along to explore the immense scale of the experiment, find out how the LHC works, and hear the latest news from Geneva.

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Report

The Universe is full of particles and scientists know that the weak force gravity acting on them is related to mass. Where mass comes from may depend on the existence of a type of particle that has become known as the Higgs boson, after one of its “discoverers”, Peter Higgs. Experiments in 2012 at the particle accelerator in Geneva, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), achieved a massive breakthrough, proving the existence of a new particle consistent with the expected properties of the Higgs boson. The LHC is now turned off for correction of a flaw and for upgrading. It is hoped that when it restarts in two years time, it will facilitate further understanding of particle physics and perhaps even the creation of dark matter.

During this marvellously entertaining talk, illustrated with mesmeric images and videos in front of a huge audience, Professor Edwards explained many aspects of the Universe and the workings of the LHC. He included some fascinating insights and questions. We still don’t know how gravity works. We only know about 5% of what constitutes the Universe. We believe 27% comprises dark matter, but don’t understand the remaining 68% at all, what scientists have called ‘dark energy’.

The LHC was built 175 metres under ground to avoid the cost of compulsory land purchase. The 17-mile circular tunnel, roughly the diameter of the London Underground’s Central Line, carved out with a machine, was found to be only one centimetre out when connected up. It works by accelerating beams of protons in opposite directions round the circuit, their speed achieved and maintained with boosters and bent with huge magnets to follow the circular path. When these protons collide at almost the speed of light, huge detectors like massive digital cameras capture images of rapidly decaying particles at the rate of about four million a second.

This memorable occasion concluded with a very enthusiastic question and answer session.

Ken Hutson