Scientists at CERN precisely measure the W-boson for the first time
Keystone
Researchers at CERN have confirmed that they have successfully measured the mass of the W-boson particle using the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) particle accelerator. Their measurements confirm the predictions of the standard model of particle physics.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SDA-ATS/swissinfo.ch/ln
The scientists described their findings in a paperExternal link published on Monday in the European Physics Journal C.External link The mass measurement was based on approximately 14 million W-bosons which were registered in the LHC.
According to Tacredi Carli, the Atlas CollaborationExternal link coordinator of the project, achieving such precise measurements was “a great challenge” due to the “demanding conditions present in hadron colliders”.
“It is an extremely promising indication of our ability to improve our knowledge of the Standard Model and to look for signs of new physics with the help of highly accurate measurements,” Carli said in a CERN press releaseExternal link.
A particle worthy of a Nobel Prize
The W-boson is one of the heaviest known particles in the universe. It was discovered at CERN, along with the Z-boson, in 1983. W- and Z-bosons mediate the so-called weak interaction – one of the four basic forces in physics. This force governs the behaviour of matter in our universe and plays a role even in radioactivity and the sun’s ‘burning’.
The discovery of the W-boson particle resulted in the Nobel Prize for physics being awarded to Carlo Rubbia and Simon van der Meer in 1984.
Some 30 years later, however, measuring its mass with high precision remains a major challenge, CERN writes. Studying the particle could nevertheless help scientists to better understand the standard model currently being used by physicists.
The standard model of particle physics describes all known elementary particles and their interactions. A more accurate measurement of the mass of the W-boson could also lead to a better understanding of the Higgs boson particle, discovered at CERN in 2012.
What factors should be taken into account when inheriting Swiss citizenship abroad?
Should there be a limit to the passing on of Swiss citizenship? Or is the current practice too strict and it should still be possible to register after the age of 25?
Is your place of origin, your Heimatort, important to you?
Every Swiss citizen has a Heimatort, a place of origin, but many have never visited theirs. What’s your relationship with your Heimatort? What does it mean to you?
Swiss government proposes lifting nuclear power ban
This content was published on
While the centre-right and the energy sector are welcoming the Swiss government’s counter-proposal, the Greens are threatening to call a referendum.
Switzerland provisionally signs agreement on EU programmes
This content was published on
The agreement on EU programmes covers Switzerland’s involvement in initiatives like Horizon Europe, Euratom, ITER, Digital Europe, Erasmus+, and EU4Health.
Record-breaking winter for Swiss tourism driven by foreign visitors
This content was published on
A survey by Switzerland Tourism suggests this winter has outdone last season's record, largely thanks to foreign visitors and favourable weather conditions.
Swiss study predicts rise in global antibiotic use in farming
This content was published on
Global antibiotic use in livestock farming could rise by 2040, says a study by FAO and the University of Zurich. Switzerland expects minimal change.
Initiative calls for 36-week parental leave in Switzerland
This content was published on
The initiative proposes 18 weeks of non-transferable leave per parent, to be taken alternately within ten years of implementation.
Over a quarter of Swiss Catholics consider leaving the church
This content was published on
In Switzerland 27% of Catholics have thought about leaving the church, according to a survey by the Sotomo research centre.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
‘Big Bang’ particle collider restarts after refit
This content was published on
In a live blogExternal link covering the restart, CERN said on Sunday that one of the two beams had completed the 27km circuit of the LHC, beneath the Swiss-French border near Geneva. The LHC had been shut down for two years for a refit of its machinery and wiring. CERN spent about $150 million (CHF144…
This content was published on
The new and improved Large Hadron Collider (LHC) – the world's most powerful particle accelerator – is being prepared to be restarted, at almost twice the energy of its initial three-year run.
This content was published on
Almost 10,000 scientists from around the world work at CERN. There is nothing very flashy about the hundreds of grey, utilitarian buildings and offices scattered across the huge site on the French-Swiss border north of the city. Inside, blackboards hang on office walls covered with endless scribblings and mathematical equations. Outside, a sign hangs on…
This content was published on
The international electron-positron collider project, known as the International Linear Collider (ILC), already exists on paper. The blueprint was officially handed over to the International Committee for Future Accelerators (ICFA) on June 12. Three consecutive ceremonies were organised at Tokyo University, CERN and the US Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) in Chicago, Illinois. The blueprint’s technical…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.