Breakthrough in Understanding the Universe’s Fundamental Forces at the Large Hadron Collider

Researchers from the University of Rochester, in collaboration with CERN, have made significant strides in measuring the electroweak mixing angle, a critical aspect of the Standard Model of Particle Physics. The team’s work, built on years of involvement at CERN, enhances our understanding of the universe’s fundamental forces.

Led by Professor Arie Bodek, the Rochester team achieved a groundbreaking milestone in measuring the electroweak mixing angle with unprecedented precision. These measurements were conducted at CERN by colliding protons, advancing our knowledge of particle physics.

The University of Rochester has a rich history of contributions to CERN, particularly through the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) Collaboration. This collaboration involves researchers like Regina Demina and Aran Garcia-Bellido, along with graduate and undergraduate students, in exploring the basic principles of the universe.

The CMS Collaboration, comprising scientists from around the world, plays a vital role in high-energy physics research. Their work at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider aims to understand the fundamental particles and forces shaping our universe, including key discoveries like the Higgs boson in 2012.

By analyzing proton-proton collisions at the LHC, the CMS Collaboration made precise measurements related to the electroweak theory. This provides valuable insights into how different forces interact, deepening our understanding of matter and energy at a fundamental level.

Overall, the Rochester team’s innovative techniques and dedication to precision testing have ushered in a new era of scientific discovery at CERN. Their work showcases the importance of international collaborations in unraveling the mysteries of the universe.