Particle Physics Research Looks Toward FutureParticle Physics Research Looks Toward Future
Upcoming DesignCon keynote discusses how future colliders will expedite fundamental physics research.

The study of particle physics informs our understanding of the ultimate structure of matter and forces in the universe, Numerous discoveries have been enabled by increasingly powerful and sophisticated instruments to measure the tracks and energy of particles created at accelerators, colliders, and in astrophysical sources.
At the upcoming DesignCon show, Carl Haber, Senior Scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory at the University of California, will discuss the history and future of instrumentation for particle physics in a keynote presentation titled, “Electronics for Future High Energy Particle Colliders.” He will present the current state-of-the-art, and then describe the electronics and sensor needs for future and upgraded colliders. The center of particle research is at CERN, the European Center for Particle Physics, near Geneva, Switzerland.
Haber, in an interview with Design News, noted that the collider played a key role in the discovery of the Higgs particle over a decade ago, which in turn has improved scientific understanding of particle behavior. “We want to extend this study to search for specific ways the Higgs particle behaves.” Haber anticipates that upgrading the particle collider will help pave the way for more advanced particle research.
Advanced electronics needed
Upgrading the collider, according to Haber, involves the use of electronics that can operate at high data rates while being able to functions within intense radiation fields. To achieve this, CERN will leverage state-of-the-art electronics, including advanced sensors and mixed-signal ASICs capable of low-noise performance. Haber expects a next generation of colliders at CERN to begin operation in the 2040’s decade.
“You need imaging detectors that are not only sensitive to charged particles but be fast enough to detect them,” Haber said. “And, they must be able to handle intense levels of radiation─even more than traditional radiation-hardened electronics.”
The engineering effort needed to modernize the collider is impressive. According to Haber, it will require the efforts of engineers building system components with low mass and material, which will help minimize the loss of precision due to the scattering of particles. Radiation damage effects to sensor are mitigated at low temperature. Engineers have developed novel thermo-mechanical support structures employing thin titanium pipes and carbon composites.
He added that research teams are now working with wide band gap materials such as silicon carbide which can operate at high temperatures, thus requiring less cooling material.
Theory turns into practical apps
The extensive effort underway to prepare CERN for future particle research could have practical implications too. Haber noted that research on particle behavior has improved understanding of magnetic fields, making it possible to develop magnets for MRI systems and magnetically-levitated transportation. Also, he said the sensors and detectors have characteristics like those used in medical imaging, thus potentially paving the way for improved medical imaging products.
For more information on this other DesignCon sessions, go here.
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