First Phase of Europe's Huge New Atom Smasher Could Be 20 Years Away
Plans are underway to build a new and more powerful collider in Europe that will surpass the capabilities of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), with the first phase scheduled for inauguration around the mid-2040s.
Europe's Ambitious Future Circular Collider
Plans are now in motion to construct a new collider in Europe that will be three times longer than the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). This ambitious project, known as the Future Circular Collider (FCC), aims to push the energy thresholds of particle collision beyond current capabilities.
The FCC study has explored various designs for the collider, envisioning a research infrastructure housed within a 100 kilometer underground tunnel. With a physics program that promises to take high energy research into the next century, the FCC seeks to advance our understanding of the universe at a fundamental level.
However, the construction of the new tunnel presents several challenges. It must navigate geologically interesting areas, optimize collider efficiency, allow for connectivity with the LHC, and consider social and environmental impacts on surface buildings and infrastructure.
Layout Considerations and Phases of the FCC
Selecting the optimal location for the FCC is a significant challenge, as it must minimize its impact on the surrounding area. CERN is currently considering different layout options to ensure the successful implementation of the collider.
The FCC tunnel is likely to be situated beneath Haute-Savoie and Ain in France, as well as Geneva in Switzerland. Within this ring-shaped underground tunnel, there will be two colliders working in sequence.
The first phase, scheduled for inauguration around the mid-2040s, will consist of an electron-positron collider (FCC-ee). This phase aims to provide precise measurements and potentially uncover new physics beyond the standard model. Following this, the proton-proton collider (FCC-hh) will be introduced, surpassing the energy capabilities of the LHC by eightfold.
Technological Advances and Global Collaboration
The FCC's goal of reaching particle collision energies of 100 TeV requires significant technological advancements. To achieve this, over 150 universities from around the world are exploring various options and contributing to research and development.
The construction of the FCC represents a significant leap in high energy physics and could pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries. While the first phase may still be 20 years away, the potential scientific advancements that the FCC offers make it an exciting prospect for the future of particle physics.
This article was originally published by Universe Today. To read the original article, please visit their website.
