Particle Physics

Cornell scientists develop and explore the theories that might have been operative in the early universe using the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Geneva, Switzerland, where the conditions of the early universe are created briefly in collisions. 

The goal of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the LHC is to record the results of extremely high-energy proton collisions and to use the data to investigate a wide range of physics, including understanding the Higgs boson, searching for extra dimensions and particles that could make up dark matter. CLASSE's experimental particle physics group collaborates with many other groups worldwide to build, maintain, and operate the detector and extract and analyze the vast amounts of data it produces. 

We are responsible for operating and maintaining aspects of the pixel detector, for future upgrades of this and related systems, and for aspects of the CMS software. Our data analysis efforts encompass Standard Model top quark measurements and searches for New Physics, such as Supersymmetry.