Ultra-Rare Kaon Decays at CERN

寻找超越标准模型的新物理证据，可以通过在高能碰撞束设施（如大型强子对撞机）的能量前沿直接搜索，以及通过在强度前沿间接搜索的补充技术，在已知粒子非常罕见的衰变模式的实验测量中解决。该项目的重点是继续研究欧洲核子研究中心（CERN）的NA62实验，该实验是通过K+ - pi+ nu nubar过程测量电荷K介子的罕见衰变。粒子物理标准模型很好地预测了这种衰变，如果观测到的速率与理论预测有显著差异，那么对实际速率的精确实验测量可以为新物理学提供证据。标准模型预测的这种衰变模式的分支分数非常小，为0.85 x 10-10，这给实验带来了挑战。尽管规模很小，但GMU小组从事NA62的各个方面，负责事件触发逻辑，触发硬件和前端电子通信，慢速控制，CEDAR（用于检测光束线中的介子的特殊差分切伦科夫计数器，GMU为此做出了重大贡献）和μ子Veto硬件组件。乔治梅森小组通过参与QuarkNet和独立的NSF IRES（学生国际研究经验）资助，在扩大对强度前沿基础研究的参与方面做出了令人印象深刻的努力，该资助每年夏天将多达五名本科生送到CERN，申请人从华盛顿特区大都会地区的大学和学院联盟中选出。

Searches for evidence for new physics beyond the Standard Model can be addressed through direct searches at the Energy Frontier at High Energy Colliding Beam Facilities such as the LHC and through a complementary technique of indirect searches at the Intensity Frontier, in experimental measurements of very-rare decay modes of known particles. This project focuses on continued research with the NA62 experiment at CERN, which is a measurement of the rare decay of the charge K meson through the process, K+ - pi+ nu nubar. This decay is well-predicted in the Standard Model of Particle Physics, and a precision experimental measurement of the actual rate could provide evidence for new physics, if the observed rate differs significantly from the theoretical prediction. The experimental challenge is occasioned by the very small branching fraction predicted by the Standard Model for this decay mode of 0.85 x 10-10. Despite its small size, the GMU group is engaged in all aspects of NA62, with responsibilities in event trigger logic, trigger hardware and front-end electronics communication, slow controls, CEDAR (a special differential Cherenkov counter for the detection of kaons in the beam line, for which GMU has made significant contributions) and Muon Veto hardware components.The George Mason group is making an impressive effort in broadening the participation in fundamental research at the intensity frontier, through its participation in QuarkNet and through a separate NSF IRES (International Research Experience for Students) grant that brings up to five undergraduates to CERN each summer, with applicants selected from a consortium of universities and colleges in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area.