Oerlikon Part Of The CERN Success In Identifying The Higgs Particle
Swiss group Oerlikon
congratulated 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
operate.
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 challenges and are absolutely unique to
CERN.
Oerlikon's vacuum
technology business, Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum, is a pioneer and in its sector
and equipped the LHC and the large ATLAS detector with special vacuum systems,
then designed 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, recognizes 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 understanding 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 honoured to have
made a small contribution to this success."
Dr. José Miguel Jimenez,
Head of CERN's Vacuum, Surfaces and Coatings group in the Technology Department
said: "To meet this amazing challenge, we were pleased to find in Oerlikon a
partner capable of collaborating with us in the vacuum systems of the LHC and
its injectors. Alongside their work with us this really makes Oerlikon a part
of the story."
Oerlikon CEO Michael
Buscher said: "R&D applications like those of CERN are a perfect
illustration of how we are devoted to solving the most difficult challenges
together with our customers and partners. Innovation is at the very core of
Oerlikon's DNA and plays an essential role in our long-term strategy for
profitable growth."
