Experimental Particle Physics
at the University of Wuppertal
(Prof. Becks, Prof. Mättig)
Our Research
We are studying the structure of matter at dimensions of 1/1000 of the diameter of an atomic nucleus, or 0.000000000000000001 m (1 attometer). At these minute scales we are exploring the basic components of matter, as well as the forces which govern their behavior and define how they can be combined to form such diverse objects as rocks, planets, stars, galaxies... and you and I, as well. Our studies require that we collide particles (protons, antiprotons, or atomic nuclei) at the highest possible energies, which, in a sense, allows us to simulate the state of the universe at a tiny fraction of a second after the Big Bang. By analyzing the results of such collisions, we are able to infer how the universe might have developed.
Research Method
Our investigations require extreme microscopy, far beyond that which can be achieved with the common optical microscopes you might be familiar with. We need an accelerator with a length of roughly 26 km and huge international experiments. There electrons or protons collide with nearly the speed of light, providing insight into the tiniest space time regions. This energy is converted into particles using Einsteins theory of relativity. Measurements of the particles allow us to reconstruct, what happened in 1 am.
Topics in Wuppertal
We are involved in experiments at the European Centre for high energy physics in Geneva (CERN)) and at the biggest American accelerator in Chicago (Fermilab). We are developing tools for detecting of the interesting processes. In particular we build up a pixel detector - similar to the well known digital cameras. The big difference is, that we have to measure a particle each 0,000000025 sec with a precision of 0,00001 m. With these measurements we can reconstruct why we live and what matter is really about.
An introduction in our work for pedestrians
PhD and diploma students positions available
Last Modification: Oktober 11, 2004