Projects / Programmes
Novel detection methods based on Cherenkov radiation
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.02.06 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Physics |
Experimental physics of elementary particles |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P210 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Elementary particle physics, quantum field theory |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.03 |
Natural Sciences |
Physical sciences |
physics of B and D mesons, identification of charged particles, Cherenkov detektors, multianode PMTs, hybrid photon detectors, fast read-out electronics
Researchers (11)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
In the next decade, the research in elementary particle physics will concentrate on the investigation of the origin of electro-weak symmetry breaking and the search for extensions of the Standard Model (SM), popularly known as New Physics. In addition to searches for new phenomena at the LHC, precision measurements of rare processes in decays of heavy quarks and leptons at Super B factories will have an important complementary role. For this next generation of experiments, new methods for particle identification are needed, all based on the detection of Cherenkov radiation. In the proposed project, we will investigate new particle identification methods to be employed in one of the super B factory projects, Belle II at the KEK laboratory in Tsukuba, Japan.
Significance for science
The Belle II experiment in which we have employed the methods developed in the present project, is an outstanding scientific apparatus at the frontier of scientific and technological capabilities. The aim of Belle II is to deepen our understanding of elementary constituents of matter and the forces acting between them. The results of the proposed project have brought progress and new solutions in the field of detection methods, and have enabled the upgrading of a very successful experiment in the search for new physics phenomena. The discovery of new particles, such as super-symmetric partners of the known elementary particles, would dramatically change our understanding of the world around us, and of the way it developed. The results of the research within this project will help in searching for answers to the basic questions of particle physics and cosmology, specifically to the question of why there is at all matter in the universe, which did not get annihilated with antimatter. The results will contribute to a decisive advancement and to new solutions in detector techniques.
Significance for the country
The influence of the results goes beyond the field of particle physics as the detectors that have been investigated have numerous applications in other fields, notably in medical imaging. Slovenian high tech companies (e.g. Kens and Elgoline) got involved in the production of some of the components of the system – in particular the very complex integrated circuits for the read-out electronics. The project also has an indirect impact on Slovenia in many aspects. Because of the leading role of our researchers in the Belle II project (leadership of the full project, as well as the coordination of the particle identification system) this project helps to promote Slovenia in many ways; this fact became quite obvious during the groundbreaking ceremony of the project. A scientific promotion in Japan is also a good starting point for establishing connections between high-tech companies and potential customers, in particular in the field of accelerator control systems (Instrumentation Technologies and Cosylab). Participation in high-tech international projects offers a good opportunity for an easy access to the new knowledge. Last but not least, education of students is a very important part of our research. During our research within the Belle experiment we already had eleven successfully finished PhD Theses; five of the former students ended up in business, and six in science. Three more PhD defenses are expected within the next three years.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2013,
2014,
2015,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2013,
2014,
2015,
final report
