LHCb Upgrade: Beyond the Energy Frontier
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Birmingham
Department Name: School of Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
LHCb is a particle physics experiment operating at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. It is the world's leading physics experiment in its field and has a unique capability to explore physics beyond the Standard Model. LHCb's main aim is to search for new physics beyond the Standard Model through precision tests of matter anti-matter asymmetries (CP violation) and rare decays of particles containing beauty and charm quarks. The experiment also has world-class programmes in other areas due to its unique design and coverage of an angular region closer to the beams that at the other main LHC experiments.
The opportunity now exists to dramatically increase the reach of LHCb's programme and to widen its physics profile. The UK groups propose to lead the upgrade of the VELO (Vertex Locator), the most precise vertex detector at the LHC, and LHCb's unique RICH (Ring Imaging Cherenkov) particle identification (PID) system. A programme of physics performance studies, computing, reconstruction software and trigger algorithm development, and involvement in a new scintillating fibre tracker complements this work.
The opportunity now exists to dramatically increase the reach of LHCb's programme and to widen its physics profile. The UK groups propose to lead the upgrade of the VELO (Vertex Locator), the most precise vertex detector at the LHC, and LHCb's unique RICH (Ring Imaging Cherenkov) particle identification (PID) system. A programme of physics performance studies, computing, reconstruction software and trigger algorithm development, and involvement in a new scintillating fibre tracker complements this work.
Planned Impact
The LHCb Upgrade offers strategic economic impact opportunities for UK Industry through the two major UK-led detectors (VELO, RICH), the novel scintillating fibre technology, and the DAQ and computing farm. External benefits include the development of novel pixel and cooling technology applicable to cancer treatment, molecular microscopy, light sources and fusion centres, and photon detectors applicable to medical imaging and positron emission tomography. The construction project has strong training opportunities for PhD students. LHCb-UK also has an enviable track record in public outreach through media, talks, exhibits and science festivals. A major exhibition on the theme of anti-matter will be sought for use at the Royal Society Summer Exhibition, and use at regional science museums.
Organisations
Description | LHCb's RICH detector commissioning proceeding according to plan |
Exploitation Route | The detector will hopefully work as planned. Installation/commissioning to start soon |
Sectors | Electronics |
URL | https://cds.cern.ch/record/2244311 |
Description | Contributed to RICH upgrade R&D, of benefit to community and general scientific knowledge from LHC physics |
First Year Of Impact | 2019 |
Impact Types | Societal |
Description | Birmingham univ. PPC student visit to CERN 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | 22 pupils visited CERN which sparked questions and discussion afterwards, and students reported informally to staff afterwards how great the visit was, |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://canvas.bham.ac.uk/courses/22695 |
Description | Cafe Scientifique |
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 to public about future directions of PP including upgrade to existing detectors such as LHCb. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.facebook.com/events/588852868333868/ |
Description | Undergrad visit to CERN |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Undergrad visit to CERN, 20 students |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |