In October of 2020 the research project titled «Top quark and Higgs physics at the CMS experiment, development of crystal scintillator detectors and sub-detectors of the CMS detector, and the development of particle accelerator technologies for societal applications in collaboration with CERN» was commenced, funded through the State Research Programme (SRP) «High-energy physics and accelerator technologies».
The aims of this SRP are to develop the scientific collaboration of Latvian research institutes with CERN, aid in the development of master’s and doctoral study programmes in high-energy physics and accelerator technologies, as well as to develop fundamental research in these fields.
In total, 14 scientific personnel from the three leading research institutions in Latvia, Riga Technical University (RTU), University of Latvia (UL) and the Institute of Solid-State Physics (ISSP), are involved in this project, of which 8 are students.
The project is split into work packages (WPs). Within WP2 researchers from RTU and UL are undertaking fundamental high-energy particle physics research using the data collected by the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment. The aim of this WP2 is to study the properties of the Top quark, such as measuring the difference in mass between it and its anti-matter partner, the anti-Top quark. Additionally, this WP aims to involve Latvian researchers in the Higgs physics research programme at CMS. WP2 is led by Dr Elīna Pajuste (UL) and Dr Kārlis Dreimanis (RTU).
Via WP3 researchers are involved in the development of the MIP Timing Detector (MTD). MTD is a future subdetector of the CMS experiment, which will be used to resolve the time when charged particles that emerge from the collisions provided by the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) cross this detector with a precision of up to 30 picoseconds. WP3 is led by Dr Anatolijs Popovs (ISSP).
The aim of WP4 is to develop particle accelerator technologies via involvement in various international projects in collaboration with CERN. This WP focuses on the development of the application of additive manufacturing techniques in production of accelerator components, as well as on the use of particle accelerators in various societal applications, such as in medical applications and the treatment of exhaust gases of internal combustion engines. WP4 is led by Dr Andris Ratkus (RTU).
Project’s scientific activities and the public engagement and outreach are coordinated via WP1, led by Aija Rūse (RTU). Project leader is Dr Kārlis Dreimanis.