Swiss global high-tech group Oerlikon today congratulates the CERN scientists involved in the ATLAS (A Toroidal LHC ApparatuS) and CMS (Compact Muon Spectrometer) experiments for identifying clear signs of a new atomic particle. An achievement made using the LHC (Large Hadron Collider) at CERN, this discovery promises to be the long-sought Higgs particle which could help answer many of the remaining mysteries of particle physics.
The LHC is a gigantic 27-kilometer ring accelerator which requires ultra-high vacuum conditions to oper- ate. Along with the four detectors used for experiments at CERN, which include ATLAS and CMS, it is located deep below the ground. The strong radiation caused by the accelerated particles within the LHC and the presence of very strong magnetic fields present technical challenges for the design and operation of vacuum systems. Working together effectively with several scientific and technical collaborators responsible for various aspects of the experiments, Oerlikon designed systems which overcame these chal- lenges and are absolutely unique to CERN.
Oerlikon’s vacuum technology business, Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum, is a pioneer and technology leader in its sector and equipped the LHC and the large ATLAS detector with special vacuum systems, then de- signed and installed two special pump systems for the CMS detector system, for which Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum received a CMS Gold Award in 2008. This award, presented by the CMS Collaboration, recog- nizes outstanding technological contributions.
Andreas Widl, CEO of Oerlikon Vacuum, said: “We are proud and excited for the ATLAS and CMS teams after the breakthrough announcement. This experiment has significant importance for a better under- standing of the world of physics. It is the result of the hard and creative work of exceptional teams. We at Oerlikon Vacuum congratulate those teams and feel honored to have made a small contribution to this success.”
