University of Bern successfully measures neutrino interaction rates at unprecedented energies

A team from the University of Bern’s Laboratory for High Energy Physics has successfully measured neutrino interaction rates at unprecedented energies using CERN’s Large Hadron Collider.

Researchers from the Laboratory for High Energy Physics (LHEP) at the University of Bern have achieved a breakthrough in particle physics by measuring how often neutrinos interact with other particles at extremely high energy levels using the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. This milestone helps scientists understand neutrinos better, which are elusive particles essential for explaining why the universe has more matter than antimatter.

Neutrinos are fundamental particles that rarely interact with matter, earning them the nickname “ghost particles.” Despite their abundance, they are challenging to study due to their weak interactions. This research focused on electron and muon neutrinos, measuring their interactions at energy levels reaching 1 teraelectronvolt (TeV), the highest ever achieved. This marks the first observation of electron neutrinos in an LHC experiment.

“This research result is of great importance because the study of neutrinos at such high energies offers the possibility of gaining deeper insights into the fundamental laws of nature, studying rare processes, and possibly discovering new physical phenomena,” commented Akitaka Ariga, head of the FASER group at the University of Bern’s LHEP. The findings were published in the journal Physical Review Letters.

The FASERν detector, located 480 meters from the LHC collision point, uses advanced technology to detect high-energy neutrinos produced by proton-proton collisions. Initial tests have shown promising results, with plans to further refine the detection process. Over the next few years, the number of neutrinos detected is expected to increase significantly, providing insights into rare processes and potential unknown forces.

The University of Bern plays a crucial role in global particle physics research, contributing to projects at CERN and Fermilab. This involvement highlights the institution’s commitment to advancing our understanding of the universe through high-energy physics.