Ultra-Rare Kaon Decays at CERN

寻找标准模型以外的新物理证据，可以通过在高能对撞束设施(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，在对已知粒子非常罕见的衰变模式的实验测量中进行。这个项目专注于欧洲核子研究中心NA62实验的继续研究，该实验是对带电K介子通过K+-pi+nu Nubar过程的罕见衰变的测量。这种衰变在粒子物理的标准模型中得到了很好的预测，如果观测到的速率与理论预测有很大不同，那么对实际速率的精确实验测量可以为新的物理提供证据。实验挑战是由标准模型预测的0.85x10-10这个衰变模式的非常小的分枝比例引起的。尽管GMU规模很小，但GMU小组从事NA62的所有方面的工作，负责事件触发逻辑、触发硬件和前端电子通信、慢速控制、Cedar(一种特殊的差动切伦科夫计数器，用于探测束线中的Kaon，GMU为此做出了重大贡献)和Muon否决权硬件组件。George Mason小组正在做出令人印象深刻的努力，通过参与QuarkNet和单独的NSF IRES(学生国际研究经验)补助金，扩大对强度前沿基础研究的参与，每年夏天最多有5名本科生参加CERN，申请者从华盛顿特区大都市区的大学和学院联盟中挑选出来。

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.