Particle Physics
Particle physics is the study of the fundamental constituents of matter and their interactions. We study the physics on the smallest scale possible, over 100 million times smaller than an atom. This physics dominated the early universe moments after the Big Bang and so, paradoxically also shaped the cosmos on the largest scale possible.
The Experimental Group
The experimental group builds and uses detectors to detect and measure particle interactions. We use two different techniques: high energy particle collisions produced in a lab by accelerators or observation of particles produced by or existing in nature. Although these techniques are very different they address the same physics in complementary ways.
Physics Topics and Experiments:
Dark Matter: DEAP, PICO, IceCube, ATLAS
Origin of Mass: ATLAS
Neutrino Physics: SNO+, DEAP, IceCube
Quantum Gravity: ATLAS
Magnetic Monopoles: MoEDAL
Cosmic Rays: ALTA
The Theory Group
In particle physics the complex nature of the calculations required to make physical predictions requires the work of experts who concentrate on developing the mathematical techniques to make these calculations possible. Our theory group specializes in developing and using computer algorithms to manipulate and solve the extremely complex algebraic expressions encountered when calculating high order Feynman diagrams.
Affiliations
