A Quantum Leap in Particle Physics: The Future Circular Collider (FCC)

The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) has recently revealed the design for its next-generation particle accelerator, the Future Circular Collider (FCC). This ambitious project aims to propel basic physics research into uncharted territories, succeeding the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which straddles the franco-Swiss border.

Unveiling the FCC: A Decade-Long Vision

Culminating nearly a decade of intensive planning, the FCC project envisions a colossal 91-kilometer tunnel nestled beneath Lake Geneva (Lac Léman). This expansive infrastructure is designed to facilitate groundbreaking experiments,pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe.

Two Phases of Revelation: Precision and Exploration

The FCC’s operational timeline is structured around two distinct phases. Beginning in the mid-2040s,the initial phase will focus on high-precision experiments,meticulously examining established physics principles. Subsequently, around 2070, the collider will transition to high-energy collisions involving protons and heavy ions, venturing into the realm of the unknown.

This will open the door to the unknown. the history of physics tells us that, when there is more data, human ingenuity is able to extract more data than was expected at first.

Giorgio Chiarelli, Research Director of the National Institute of Nuclear Physics of Italy

Powering the Future: ten Times the Energy

The driving force behind the FCC is the pursuit of considerably higher energy levels. As Arnaud Marsollier, CERN’s spokesperson, explains, the goal is to create a collider capable of generating ten times more energy than the LHC. This increased energy capacity will enable the creation and study of heavier particles, potentially unlocking new dimensions of physics.

Currently, the LHC operates within a 27-kilometer underground tunnel, accelerating particles to near-light speeds and colliding them. The FCC represents a substantial upgrade in both scale and capability.

Investment and Impact: A Global Endeavor

The FCC project’s blueprint encompasses construction plans,environmental impact assessments,scientific objectives,and cost projections. Autonomous experts will scrutinize these details before CERN’s member states, predominantly European nations, decide in 2028 whether to proceed with the estimated 15 billion euro investment (approximately 14 billion Swiss francs). This decision will shape the future of particle physics research on a global scale.

CERN anticipates that the FCC will not only yield groundbreaking scientific discoveries but also stimulate innovation in fields such as cryogenics, superconductor magnets, and vacuum technologies, potentially benefiting society at large. For example, advancements in superconductor technology could revolutionize energy transmission, leading to more efficient and sustainable power grids.

Unlocking the Secrets of the Higgs Boson

A key objective of the FCC is to gain a deeper understanding of the Higgs boson, often referred to as the “God particle.” The LHC’s confirmation of the Higgs boson’s existence in 2013 was a pivotal moment, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of the Standard Model of particle physics. The FCC aims to further elucidate the Higgs boson’s properties and its role in the universe’s fundamental forces.

A Broader Viewpoint: International Collaboration

The FCC project has garnered significant interest from the global scientific community. Dave Toback, a Physics and Astronomy professor at Texas A&M University, emphasizes the exciting opportunities the new collider presents for particle physics research worldwide. While not directly involved with CERN, Toback’s experience at the tevatron Collider in Fermilab underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing scientific knowledge.

The new collider offers an exciting opportunity for the study of particle physics, and in fact for all physics, for the entire international community.

Dave Toback, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Texas A&M University

Construction Details: A Deep Dive

The proposed FCC infrastructure involves constructing a 91-kilometer tunnel at an average depth of 200 meters, with a diameter of approximately 5 meters. CERN’s engineers are evaluating numerous construction scenarios to ensure the project’s feasibility and minimize its environmental impact. The scale of this undertaking highlights the ambition and complexity of the FCC project.