JANUS: Opening new frontiers in multi-scale evolution of collider events: a dual pathway to precisionThe CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator. Inside the LHC, two high-energy particle beams travelling in opposite directions collide at speeds close to the speed of light. Our understanding of physical observables measured at LHC experiments depend crucially on theoretical predictions describing the evolution of the system from the high energy of the collision down to the level of individual particles observed in the detectors. The ERC-funded JANUS project will carry out theoretical and algorithmic research with the goal of enhancing the accuracy of these computations by advancing and establishing connections between two important fields of collider physics, all-order resummations and Monte Carlo event generators. |
Coordinator: CERN Scientist in Charge from CERN: Pier Francesco MONNI EU funding: € 1 993 125,00 EU funding for CERN: € 1 718 125,00 Date: 01/11/2022 - 31/10/2027 |
PRESOBEN: PREcision Studies with Optically pumped Beams of Exotic NucleiWe aim to address the challenging question of the distribution of magnetisation and neutrons in unstable nuclei. We will use a novel, high-accuracy experimental approach, combining radiation-detected Nuclear Magnetic Resonance with rf-laser double spectroscopy on optically-pumped short-lived nuclei produced at the ISOLDE facility. We will combine accurate measurements of magnetic moments and of the hyperfine structure of unstable nuclei, leading to an accurate determination of a ‘hyperfine anomaly’, a small effect on atomic hyperfine structure due to the distribution of nuclear magnetisation. This will allow to determine the magnetisation and neutron distribution in many nuclei: light neutron-halo 11Be, proposed halos in neutron-rich Ne, Na, Mg, K, and Ca nuclei, and heavy Rn, Fr, and Ra isotopes. This will open new perspectives for nuclear structure studies, determination of neutron-star properties, or APV studies. It will also allow test of atomic and nuclear calculations. |
Coordinator: CERN Scientist in Charge from CERN: Magdalena KOWALSKA EU funding: € 2 184 375,00 EU funding for CERN: € 2 184 375,00 Date: 01/09/2022 - 31/08/2027 |
QGuide: The Quantum Gravity Imprint: New Guiding Principles at Low EnergiesThe QGuide research project aims to unveil the constraints that low energy Effective Field Theories must adhere to for consistency with a Quantum Gravity framework at higher energies. Addressing the Swampland conjectures, which propose criteria impacting Particle Physics and Cosmology, the project seeks to precisely formulate and prove these constraints. Employing cutting-edge techniques in algebraic geometry and topological cobordism groups, it aims for a rigorous evaluation of Swampland conjectures within established string compactifications. Objectives include analyzing the breaking of generalized global symmetries in string theory, determining the quantum gravity cut-off scale at perturbative limits, developing novel methods for studying the scalar potential, and determining the role of supersymmetry in vacuum stability. The anticipated outcomes promise revolutionary insights into the Quantum Gravity impact on low-energy phenomena. |
Coordinator: CERN Scientist in Charge from CERN: Irene VALENZUELA AGUI EU funding: € 1 382 625,00 EU funding for CERN: € 780 750,00 Date: 01/10/2022 - 30/09/2027 |
RD-NMR: Radiation-detected NMR: new dimension for Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and imagingNuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a powerful spectroscopic technique, used in various fields, including chemistry, biology and medicine. However, it suffers from a low level of spin polarisation and inefficient signal detection by an induction in pick-up coils. In radiation-detected (RD-)NMR, very short-lived nuclei from a radioactive ion beam facility were used as novel NMR probes, bringing up to a billion-fold increase in sensitivity. Here, we will explore the prospect of turning RD-NMR into a more easily accessible analytic tool. We aim at building a prototype of a modular insert for conventional NMR and MRI spectrometers that will allow in-situ polarisation of longer-lived PET nuclei that can be acquired commercially. The system will be tested with 13N, as it can probe different parameters such as pH, redox, and concentration of reactive oxygen species, or metal ions. We will also explore the most suitable exploitation path, the end users and end market. |
Coordinator: CERN Scientist in Charge from CERN: Magdalena Kowalska EU funding: € 150 000,00 EU funding for CERN: € 150 000,00 Date: 01/03/2023 - 31/08/2024 |