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In the quest to deepen our understanding of the fundamental aspects of matter, energy, space, and time, physicists employ sophisticated particle accelerators to collide high-energy particles. These collisions can produce a diverse array of particles at various masses and speeds, and occasionally even generate entirely new particles that challenge existing theoretical frameworks like the standard model of particle physics. Plans are being developed for the construction of even more powerful accelerators, which will lead to intensified subatomic phenomena. The crucial question remains: how will scientists navigate through the resultant complexity?
A promising solution may be found in the realm of quantum sensors. A collaboration involving the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), Caltech, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (managed by Caltech), and other institutions has introduced an innovative method of high-energy particle detection that utilizes quantum sensor technology—devices adept at detecting individual particles with remarkable precision.
“As we project into the next two to three decades, a significant transformation is on the horizon for particle colliders, particularly in terms of their energy and intensity,” notes Maria Spiropulu, the Shang-Yi Ch’en Professor of Physics at Caltech. “This evolution demands more precise detection capabilities. Our development of quantum technology today is aimed at ensuring quantum sensing becomes an integral aspect of upcoming searches for novel particles and dark matter, as well as investigations into the very origins of space and time.”
In their recent publication in the Journal of Instrumentation, the research team—including collaborators from the University of Geneva and Universidad Santa MarÃa in Venezuela—conducted pioneering tests of a new tool: superconducting microwire single-photon detectors (SMSPDs). These quantum sensors were subjected to high-energy beams of protons, electrons, and pions at Fermilab, revealing their enhanced efficiency in particle detection, characterized by superior time and spatial resolution when compared to conventional detection methods.
This advancement marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of sophisticated detectors for future particle physics inquiries, asserts Si Xie, a co-author and scientist at Fermilab with a joint research position at Caltech. “This research is merely the initial phase,” he states. “The potential here extends to detecting particles of lesser mass and exploring exotic particles that could be associated with dark matter.”
The quantum sensors in this research are notably akin to a related class of sensors, known as superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs), which serve various roles in quantum networks and astronomical studies. For instance, experts at JPL recently applied these sensors in their Deep Space Optical Communications experiment, demonstrating laser-driven transmission of high-definition data from space directly to Earth.
Spiropulu, Xie, and their colleagues have successfully tested SNSPD sensors in quantum networking projects as well, achieving long-distance information teleportation, a milestone for future quantum internet development. This initiative, termed Intelligent Quantum Networks and Technologies (INQNET), was established in collaboration with AT&T in 2017.
For the particle physics experiments, the researchers opted for SMSPDs due to their larger surface area, which facilitates the collection of particle sprays. They successfully demonstrated the sensors’ ability to detect charged particles—a functionality critical for particle physics studies but not necessary for quantum networking or astronomical applications. “The novelty of our study lies in the confirmation that these sensors can effectively identify charged particles,” Xie explains.
The SMSPD technology also enhances the precision of particle detection in both spatial and temporal dimensions. “We refer to them as 4D sensors because they simultaneously achieve improved spatial and time resolution,” Xie continues. “Traditionally, particle physics experiments require configuring sensors to optimize either time or spatial resolution separately, but our approach enables both to be enhanced concurrently.”
In analyzing the particle bursts generated from high-speed collisions, researchers aim to meticulously trace their trajectories through space and time. To illustrate, consider tracking an individual in a bustling grand terminal; high-resolution imagery is necessary to follow their movements accurately, but capturing sufficient frequency is just as important to prevent losing sight of them. The goal in particle physics resembles this scenario, where high temporal resolution complements spatial resolution, enhancing the likelihood of precise event detection.
“In these collisions, tracking millions of events per second is crucial,” Spiropulu emphasizes. “The intensity of interactions is overwhelming, so the ability to isolate primary events with precision is essential. While the 1980s focused on gathering spatial coordinates, the increased density of particles generated today necessitates meticulous temporal tracking as well.”
“Our enthusiasm for advancing cutting-edge detection technologies like SMSPDs is immense, especially as they may serve pivotal roles in monumental projects such as the proposed Future Circular Collider or a muon collider,” states Fermilab scientist and Caltech alumnus Cristián Peña (PhD ’17), who spearheaded the research. “We are also fortunate to have brought together a world-class team across multiple institutions to advance this groundbreaking research.”
The study titled “High energy particle detection with large area superconducting microwire array,” received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, Fermilab, Chile’s National Agency for Research and Development (ANID), and Federico Santa MarÃa Technical University. Other contributors from Caltech include former graduate student Christina Wang (PhD ’24), research scientist Adi Bornheim, postdoc Andrew Mueller (PhD ’24), and graduate student Sahil Patel (MS ’22). Additional authors from JPL comprise Boris Korzh (now a professor at the University of Geneva), Jamie Luskin, and Matthew Shaw.
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