The University of Liverpool, Department of Physics Particle Physics Rolling Grant

Lead Research Organisation: University of Liverpool
Department Name: Physics

Abstract

The theories describing the forces binding fundamental particles to make the world we live in fail to capture the phenomenon of mass, working most naturally only for massless fundamental particles. The problem is solved by new physics at the electroweak unification energy scale, where the weak nuclear force and that of electromagnetism are found to show the same strength, a fact associated with the mass of the force-carrying W and Z particles being the root cause of the apparent weakness of the 'weak' force. The 'new physics' at this characteristic mass/energy scale is often thought to be related to the existence of a Higgs particle with mass just above that of the W and Z. However, even if this is the correct scenario, strong theoretical arguments exist for other phenomena, close in energy scale. All of this provides a major motivation for building the LHC and for one aspect of its physics programme, the search, using high energy collisions, for direct production of new particles. ATLAS, with a major component of its tracking detector assembled at Liverpool, is searching for such 'new physics', but to be sure of a discovery, the predictions of the known physics, the 'Standard Model', have to be understood extremely well in the high energy collisions of the LHC. This is a key first step and one that Liverpool is emphasising with its impressive understanding of strong interaction physics and proton structure. Another way deviations can be found is in subtler effects at lower energies, for example in the decays of particles containing the b-quark, the most massive quark with a measurable lifetime. This is the target of the LHCb experiment, where the detection of short lived particles produced at the LHC relies on the Vertex Locator (VeLo) detector for which all the modules were built at Liverpool. Liverpool physicists are playing major roles in several aspects of this experiment, including studies relating to exploration of rare Standard Model processes. Another area which has proved very fruitful in finding deviations from the Standard Model is in the properties of neutrinos. These can be explored through 'neutrino oscillation' experiments, sensitive to both neutrino masses (thought to be zero until a decade ago) and how different types of neutrinos can inter-convert. The intense beam being produced at the J-PARC laboratory in Japan is the ideal testing ground for ideas that asymmetries between neutrinos and anti-neutrinos may have helped produce the matter anti-matter asymmetry we see in today's Universe (where, as far as we can tell, all the anti-matter has annihilated away). In all these programmes, there is a lively future building on these experiments and we play a key role in plans and research aimed at upgrades to allow better exploitation of these unique facilities. At the LHC, improvements to the accelerator will lead to the rebuilding of large parts of the detectors. In particular, much greater radiation hardness may be needed and we enjoy a world-leading reputation in radiation hard silicon detectors. Other aspects require advanced materials and low mass structures, novel interconnect technologies and microelectronics developments. These are all areas where we bring unique skills, already demonstrated in the detectors provided to current experiments. In addition to work on silicon sensors (both strip and pixels), we are working on novel liquid argon based detectors, and on a combined magnet-calorimeter concept. The longer term future clearly will involve new accelerators and new accelerator components on existing facilities. We are particularly well placed to contribute through our lead role in the Cockcroft Institute whose Director is a Liverpool professor. Liverpool enjoys a long tradition of generic research and development which leads to major developments in new technologies. We work closely with UK industry wherever possible to ensure the widest possible dissemination of novel results

Publications

10 25 50

 
Description Collaboration with Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) 
Organisation Fondazione Bruno Kessler
Country Italy 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Creation of the partnership
Collaborator Contribution We have started a partnership in 2 main areas. First with the MicroSystems Division (CMM). Previous staff member Prof. G. Casse became director in 2016. We have expanded this to deep learning with their IT departmetmn
Impact Award of STFC CDT, collabrateion with Microsoft. This multi-disiplinary and impacts health.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Compact High Energy Camera 
Organisation Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Lead design and construction of camera for GCT telescope.
Collaborator Contribution Electronics testing. Software development.
Impact Design of camera. Prototype camera.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Compact High Energy Camera 
Organisation Max Planck Society
Department Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Lead design and construction of camera for GCT telescope.
Collaborator Contribution Electronics testing. Software development.
Impact Design of camera. Prototype camera.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Compact High Energy Camera 
Organisation Nagoya University
Country Japan 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Lead design and construction of camera for GCT telescope.
Collaborator Contribution Electronics testing. Software development.
Impact Design of camera. Prototype camera.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Compact High Energy Camera 
Organisation University of Adelaide
Country Australia 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Lead design and construction of camera for GCT telescope.
Collaborator Contribution Electronics testing. Software development.
Impact Design of camera. Prototype camera.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Compact High Energy Camera 
Organisation University of Amsterdam
Country Netherlands 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Lead design and construction of camera for GCT telescope.
Collaborator Contribution Electronics testing. Software development.
Impact Design of camera. Prototype camera.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Mirrors for CTA 
Organisation Glyndwr University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Specification of mirrors
Collaborator Contribution Mirror construction process, test mirrors.
Impact Test mirrors for study of production process
Start Year 2015
 
Description Ann Marks IOP lecture: "Latest news from LHC" 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talk given for the annual Ann Marks memorial lecture for the Merseyside IOP branch
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Antimatter matters 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Two talks at the Royal Astronomical Society in London, one aimed at the general public, one with higher fraction of school children, both on antimatter.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.ras.org.uk/events-and-meetings/external-meetings/155-events-and-meetings/index.php?optio...
 
Description Book review for THE 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Book review of Jim Al-Khalili's book (The world according to physics).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.timeshighereducation.com/books/world-according-physics-jim-al-khalili
 
Description CERN MP visits 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Type Of Presentation Keynote/Invited Speaker
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Visits of local MP and Science and Technology select committee to CERN. Participated. Ad hoc briefing to S&T committee prior to visit.

None.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2010,2011
 
Description Collaboration with artist Yu-Chen Wang for Broken Symmetries exhibit (FACT/Arts@CERN) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Discussions with artist Yu-Chen Wang, a FACT/Arts@CERN Collider honourable mention winner, as a collaboration for the development of her piece for the Broken Symmetries exhibit. This exhibit is currently at FACT and will tour Europe and beyond after March 2019. Yu-Chen's piece documents her journey and way of understanding particle physics and very foreign concepts.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018,2019
URL https://www.fact.co.uk/news/2018/12/artist-interview-yu-chen-wang
 
Description Debate with artists at Broken Symmetries exhibit launch 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Debate with two participating artists at the launch of the Broken Symmetries exhibit (arising from the 3 year Arts@CERN and FACT collaboration).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.fact.co.uk/news/2018/11/liverpool-laser-talks
 
Description IET public lecture 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Type Of Presentation Keynote/Invited Speaker
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact 2009: joint lecture in "Young Professionals Event" with Lyn Evans on LHC. Recorded, available online.
2010: lecture in IET belfast. Interviewed.

Repeat invitations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2009,2010
 
Description International press interviews 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Type Of Presentation Keynote/Invited Speaker
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Irish Times (several).
Many international publications following antimatter/Angels and Demons link (2009).

Repeat requests.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2009,2010,2011,2012
 
Description International radio interviews 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Type Of Presentation Keynote/Invited Speaker
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Interviews: 2009 antimatter Drivetime (Irel)
2010 3.5 TeV running: ORF (Austria)
2011 Higgs news Newstalk (Irel)
2012 Higgs Newstalk (irel), radio New Zealand.

Repeat calls.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2009,2010,2011,2012
 
Description Interview with Nature about particle physics/media experiences and preparation 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Third sector organisations
Results and Impact Interview about experiences with the media and how to best prepare for them.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-06871-7
 
Description Interview with New Scientist on LHC 10th anniversary 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Interview with the New Scientist on the LHC 10th anniversary
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg23931953-000-the-higgs-hunter-has-just-turned-10-why-is-nobod...
 
Description Interview with the Guardian for LHC upgrade 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Interview with Ian Sample on the HL-LHC upgrade. The story was subsequently picked up by other media outlets.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/jun/15/720m-large-hadron-collider-upgrade-could-upend-parti...
 
Description Keynote speaker at New Scientist Live! 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Keynote talk on "Why hasn't the LHC found anything new - or has it?"
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://live.newscientist.com/speakers/tara-shears
 
Description Local radio (UK) interviews 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Type Of Presentation Keynote/Invited Speaker
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Various interviews around:
2008: LHC startup (18 UK stations)
2011: neutrinos (11 UK stations)
2012: local Liverpool LHC work (radio merseyside)

go-to contact for particle physics for several UK local radio stations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2008,2009,2011,2012
 
Description New Scientist instant exprt series: keynote talk 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact (takes place on April 6th). A keynote talk on the LHC and big questions that remain unanswered.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.sciencelive.net/event/760/
 
Description Physics society talks 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Type Of Presentation Keynote/Invited Speaker
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact IOP SE (2009), UCL chemistry&physics (2010), Liverpool physics (2011). One hour talk on LHC results, Q&A.

repeat invitations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2009,2010,2011
 
Description Podcast for Naked Scientists on LHC 10th anniversary 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Podcast with the naked scientists on the LHC 10th anniversary plus talking about FCC
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/interviews/10-years-lhc
 
Description Radio 4 Today interviews 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Type Of Presentation Keynote/Invited Speaker
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Interviewed for 2009: antimatter 2010: LHC restart, 2011: neutrinos.

Repeat invitations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2009,2010,2011
 
Description Royal Institution 6th form lecture 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Type Of Presentation Keynote/Invited Speaker
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Talk on LHC news and findings. Estimated reach, ~200 pupils/teachers each time.

Invitations to give similar talks.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2010,2013
 
Description Royal Society talks 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Type Of Presentation Keynote/Invited Speaker
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Cafe scientifique style discussion with extended Q&A, traditional talk with Q&A.

repeat invitations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2010,2011
 
Description Schools talks (Liverpool) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Type Of Presentation Keynote/Invited Speaker
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact One hour talk on LHC results to local schools joint session (6th form and teachers), and two other schools. Answered questions. Repeated in 2010.

invitations to give similar talks.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2009,2010
 
Description Science Friday: antimatter 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Discussed antimatter and LHCb as part of the Science Friday series on Radio Merseyside, April 2018
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Speaker at philosophy/physics workshop on model independent searches 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Speaker at a 2 day workshop encompassing experimental and theoretical particle physicists, cosmologists and astrophysicists, on the philosophical basis of model independent searches and exploring what model independence means.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL http://www.perspectivalrealism.org/cross-disciplinary-perspectives-on-model-independent-searches/
 
Description Speaker on Scientific American cruise (4 lectures on particle physics) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact 6 hours of lectures on particle physics; the Standard Model; antimatter; dark matter; particle astrophysics and the future. Plus one debate with a quantum physicist.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL http://www.insightcruises.com/events/sa35/
 
Description Talk on DELPHI 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Talk on particle physics to accompany opening of a video installation centred on the DELPHI experiment in Berlin; mainly to arts inclined public
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL http://www.scheringstiftung.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3192%3Athe-unseen-univer...
 
Description The AntiUniverse; debate with HLTGI festival 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Debate with two theorists; shown live during the Feb 21 HLTGI festival and will be made available online on IATV
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://test.howthelightgetsin.iai.tv/events/the-anti-universe-7518
 
Description UK press interviews 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Type Of Presentation Keynote/Invited Speaker
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Interviews for Liverpool Echo, Wilts Gazette and Herald, Belfast Telegraph; FT;
Daily Telegraph; Daily Mail; Independent; Sunday Times; Guardian (several); BBC news online (several).

Repeat requests.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2009,2010,2011,2012,2013
 
Description University open day talks 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Type Of Presentation Keynote/Invited Speaker
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact Talks on latest LHC news given to undergrad and postgrad open days.

None.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2009,2010,2012
 
Description briefings for researcher for forthcoming BBC4 documentary on Einstein to Hawking 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Briefings on particle physics links to Einstein and Hawking for a researcher working in the forthcoming BBC4 documentary "From Einstein to Hawking"
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018,2019
 
Description interview for news item on future colliders 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Interview about future colliders; quoted in Daily Mail article
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8439607/CERN-poised-new-20-BILLION-particle-accelera...
 
Description interview for news item on future colliders 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact interview for nature news, about future colliders given the output of the european strategy update.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01866-9
 
Description interview on BBC world service Newsday 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact BBC world service newsday interview, to talk about LHC story
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description interviewed for world service crowdscience 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Interviewed for world service crowd science programme
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3cszv5l
 
Description interviews following New Scientist Live! talk 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Piece written up based on listening to the talk and Q&A afterwards.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1022632/science-news-lhc-large-hadron-collider-quantum-latest...
 
Description quoted in media article 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact quoted in article about future colliders in finnish press
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://tekniikanmaailma.fi/tallainen-tulee-euroopan-seuraavasta-hiukkaskiihdyttimesta-21-miljardia-...
 
Description quoted in media article 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact quoted in article, recycled from Nature interview
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://hypescience.com/plano-para-supercolisor-de-particulas-de-r-120-bilhoes-e-aprovado-pelo-cern/
 
Description quoted in media article 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact quoted in article in chinese press, recycled from nature article
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL http://tech.sina.com.cn/csj/2020-06-26/doc-iirczymk9037369.shtml
 
Description quoted in media article 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact quoted in italian press, recycling of nature article
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.lescienze.it/news/2020/06/22/news/cern_passo_avanti_super_collider_21_miliardi-4747579/
 
Description quoted in media article 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact quoted in chinese press, recycling of nature interview
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.inside.com.tw/article/20138-CERN-makes-bold-push-to-build-21-billion-super-collider
 
Description quoted in media article 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact quoted in vietnamese press, recyling of nature interview
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://tiasang.com.vn/khoa-hoc-cong-nghe/CERN-se-xay-dung-sieu-vanh-va-cham-2-ty-euro-25302
 
Description quoted in media article 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact quoted in article, recycled from nature interview
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://alcanzandoelconocimiento.com/cern-aprueba-plan-para-construir-al-sucesor-del-gran-colisionad...
 
Description quoted in media article 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact quoted in article
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.eye-n.com/index.php/permalink/201213.html
 
Description quoted in media article 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact quoted in article about future colliders, recycled from nature article
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.journaldugeek.com/2020/06/23/accelerateur-particules-cern/
 
Description quoted in media article 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact quoted in article in polish press, recycled from nature interview
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://dzienniknaukowy.pl/czlowiek/naukowcy-z-cern-chca-zbudowac-akcelerator-czastek-o-dlugosci-100...