U.S. particle physics is pushing forward on three frontiers. Each has a unique approach to making discoveries, and all three are essential to answering key questions about the laws of nature and the cosmos.
The U.S. has contributed $531 million to the construction of the Large Hadron Collider, the world's largest particle collider, located in Europe. From the LHC Remote Operations Center at Fermilab, U.S. scientists will participate in the startup of the machine.
More than 900 scientists from the U.S. work on the CMS experiment at the LHC. Sifting through proton-proton collisions, scientists may find signs for dark matter particles, new subatomic forces and perhaps extra dimensions of space.
The Particle Physics Project Prioritzation Panel proposes a strategic plan for the next 10 years
to address the central questions in particle physics using a range of tools
and techniques at three interrelated frontiers.
