Scientists Propose $17 Billion Future Circular Collider to Probe Unknown Particles and Forces
In a groundbreaking move, researchers at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) have unveiled plans for the construction of a new and even larger particle accelerator. The proposed Future Circular Collider (FCC) would be an astonishing 57 miles long, dwarfing its predecessor, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which spans 16.5 miles. With an estimated cost of $17 billion, the FCC aims to push the boundaries of particle physics and delve into the mysteries of the universe.
The primary objective of the FCC is to explore the fringes of the Standard Model of particle physics, which currently serves as the best theory to explain the behavior of the smallest components of the universe. By colliding particles at significantly higher energies than the LHC, researchers hope to uncover unknown particles and forces, understand why matter outweighs antimatter, and gain insights into dark matter and dark energy, two enigmatic entities that constitute a staggering 95 percent of the universe.
Fabiola Gianotti, CERN’s director-general, expressed her excitement about the potential of the FCC, stating, “It will not only be a wonderful instrument to improve our understanding of the fundamental laws of physics and nature but also a driver of innovation.” She emphasized that the construction of the FCC would require advanced technologies such as cryogenics, superconducting magnets, vacuum technologies, detectors, and instrumentation. These technologies could have a significant impact on society and yield substantial socioeconomic benefits.
Particle accelerators like the LHC and the proposed FCC operate by colliding protons together at near light speed in search of rare decay products that could provide clues to new particles or forces. This process allows physicists to scrutinize the fundamental building blocks of the universe and their interactions as described by the Standard Model of physics.
Despite the remarkable predictions made possible by the Standard Model, such as the discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012, physicists remain unsatisfied with its limitations. The model fails to explain the origin of gravity, the composition of dark matter, and the abundance of matter compared to antimatter in the universe. To address these gaps, CERN scientists plan to utilize the sevenfold increase in beam energy offered by the FCC to accelerate particles to even higher speeds.
However, it is important to note that the FCC is still in its early stages of development. The proposals presented by CERN are part of an interim report on a feasibility study set to be completed next year. If the project moves forward, CERN will seek additional funding from nonmember states, as it is currently run by 18 European Union member states, Switzerland, Norway, Serbia, Israel, and the U.K.
While there is great anticipation for the discoveries that the FCC could potentially make, some scientists remain skeptical about its cost-effectiveness. Sabine Hossenfelder, a theoretical physicist at the Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy, expressed doubts about the project’s return on investment. She argued that there are currently better avenues to pursue in high-energy physics and questioned the FCC’s potential for groundbreaking discoveries.
The fate of the FCC will be determined in 2028 when member states convene to decide whether to proceed with the project. If approved, the first phase of the collider, which involves colliding electrons with their antimatter counterparts, positrons, would become operational in 2045. Finally, in the 2070s, the FCC would commence its proton-proton collisions.
The proposed Future Circular Collider represents a bold leap forward in our quest to understand the fundamental laws of nature. With its immense size and increased power, it holds the promise of unraveling some of the universe’s greatest mysteries. As scientists eagerly await the decision on its future, the world watches with anticipation, hoping for a new era of scientific discovery and innovation.
