Physics World Weekly Podcast Inside ATLAS: Sara Alderweireldt explains how the CERN experiment homes in on new physics
Jul 10, 2025
Sara Alderweireldt, a physicist at CERN and expert in supersymmetry, dives into the fascinating world of the ATLAS experiment. She discusses how physicists analyze vast data from high-energy collisions to uncover new physics theories. The conversation covers the critical upgrades to the LHC, set for completion in 2030, and the collaborative challenges faced in long-term research. Alderweireldt also highlights the elusive concept of missing energy, a key clue in the hunt for undiscovered particles like dark matter.
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ATLAS Explores Particle Physics Frontiers
- ATLAS examines high-energy proton collisions to study the Standard Model and search for new physics.
- It balances precise measurements with exploring phenomena that could extend current physics understanding.
ATLAS Trigger System Saves Data
- ATLAS uses a multistage trigger system to rapidly decide which collision events to record for analysis.
- Visualization tools help study rare events, despite massive data volumes making manual review impossible.
Supersymmetry and Missing Energy
- Supersymmetry predicts partner particles to those in the Standard Model, potentially explaining unsolved physical mysteries.
- Searches focus on missing transverse energy indicating invisible particles beyond the Standard Model.
