China is poised to embark on a groundbreaking project that will push the boundaries of particle physics research. The Circular Electron Positron Collider (CEPC), a proposed electron-positron collider, is set to become the world’s largest particle accelerator, with a circumference of approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles). This ambitious endeavor, spearheaded by the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of High Energy Physics, aims to revolutionize our understanding of the fundamental constituents of the universe and the forces that govern their interactions.
Circular Electron Positron Collider (CEPC) Proposed to be built in China, with potential sites including Qinhuangdao, Huzhou, and Changsha might have the construction Start Date: Targeted for 2027, pending government approval. The first phase is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s, estimated at approximately 36.4 billion yuan (around $5 billion), though costs may vary as plans are finalized.
The Science Behind CEPC
The CEPC is designed to operate in three distinct modes, each targeting specific physics goals. In the H mode (e+e- –>ZH), the collider will focus on the production and study of the Higgs boson, a particle crucial to our understanding of mass generation in the Standard Model of particle physics. The Z mode (e+e- –>Z) will enable researchers to create a vast number of Z bosons, allowing for precision measurements and searches for new physics beyond the Standard Model. The W mode (e+e- –>W+W-) will concentrate on the production of W bosons, further expanding the scope of the project’s scientific objectives.The CEPC’s unique design, featuring separate beam pipes for electron and positron beams circulating in opposite directions, ensures cleaner collision results compared to proton collisions in other particle colliders like the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. This approach minimizes the production of secondary particles, enhancing the clarity of experimental data and enabling more precise measurements of particle properties and interactions.
Scientific Goals of CEPC
Higgs Boson Study: A primary objective is to produce and study the Higgs boson in unprecedented detail. The CEPC aims to generate millions of Higgs bosons, vastly increasing the dataset available for research compared to the LHC.
The Road Ahead for CEPC
The CEPC project is currently in the planning stages, with a proposed timeline that spans from 2027 to 2035. The first phase, focusing on electron-positron collisions, is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s, while a potential second phase, the Super Proton-Proton Collider (SPPC), may follow in the same tunnel, pushing the energy frontiers even further through proton collisions.The project’s success hinges on several key factors, including securing sufficient funding, overcoming technical challenges, and addressing environmental and social considerations. The Chinese government is expected to provide substantial support, but international collaboration will be crucial to the project’s success. The CEPC is envisioned as an international big-science project, welcoming participation from scientists and engineers worldwide.
First Phase (CEPC): The initial phase will focus on electron-positron collisions, creating a cleaner environment for studying the Higgs boson and other particles.
Second Phase (SPPC): Following the CEPC, a potential second phase, the Super Proton-Proton Collider (SPPC), is planned. This phase would utilize the same tunnel and aim to push energy frontiers even further through proton collisions.
What would CEPC mean for Scientific Community?
International Collaboration: The CEPC project is expected to involve scientists and engineers from around the globe, similar to other major particle physics endeavors.
The CEPC represents a monumental leap forward in particle physics research, offering unprecedented opportunities for precision measurements, Higgs boson studies, and the exploration of new physics beyond the Standard Model. As China takes the lead in this ambitious endeavor, the global scientific community eagerly awaits the project’s progress and the groundbreaking discoveries that may emerge from its operation.The construction and operation of the CEPC will not only advance our understanding of the fundamental nature of the universe but also drive technological innovations in areas such as superconducting magnets, cryogenics, and high-precision detectors. Moreover, the project will contribute to the training and education of a new generation of scientists and engineers, ensuring the continued growth and development of the field.In conclusion, the CEPC stands as a testament to China’s commitment to scientific excellence and its desire to shape the future of particle physics research. As the project moves forward, it will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the field, inspiring future generations of scientists and paving the way for new discoveries that could revolutionize our understanding of the universe.
Precision Measurements: The CEPC will facilitate extremely precise measurements of known particles and forces, refining existing models and theories.
How Large Hadron Collider and Circular Electron Positron Collider is different?
Key Differences Between CEPC and LHC
Type of Collisions:
CEPC: The CEPC is an electron-positron collider, meaning it will collide electrons with their antiparticles, positrons. This type of collision allows for cleaner interactions, as the initial state of the particles is well-defined, which is crucial for precision measurements.
LHC: In contrast, the LHC is a proton-proton collider. Protons are composite particles made of quarks and gluons, which means that collisions can produce a variety of secondary particles and interactions, complicating the analysis of results.
Collision Energy:
CEPC: The CEPC is designed to operate at a maximum center-of-mass energy of 240 GeV for Higgs boson studies, with specific modes targeting energies of 91 GeV and 160 GeV for Z and W boson production, respectively. This lower energy range is optimal for precision measurements of the Higgs boson and related particles.
LHC: The LHC operates at much higher energies, reaching up to 13 TeV (13,000 GeV). This high energy allows it to explore a wider range of physics phenomena, including the discovery of new particles, such as the Higgs boson itself.
Primary Scientific Goals:
CEPC: The primary goal of the CEPC is to serve as a Higgs factory, producing millions of Higgs bosons to study their properties in detail. It aims for precision measurements that can test the predictions of the Standard Model and search for new physics beyond it.
LHC: The LHC’s goals are broader, including the search for new particles (like supersymmetric particles), exploration of dark matter candidates, and studying the conditions of the early universe. It has already made significant discoveries, including the Higgs boson in 2012.
Design and Size:
CEPC: The CEPC will have a circumference of approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles), making it the largest particle collider upon completion. It features a double-ring structure, with separate beam pipes for electrons and positrons.
LHC: The LHC has a circumference of 27 kilometers (17 miles) and is located underground at CERN. It also features a complex design that includes multiple detectors and advanced technologies for particle acceleration and collision.
Future Upgrades:
CEPC: After its initial phase, the CEPC has plans to upgrade to the Super Proton-Proton Collider (SPPC), which would allow for proton collisions at energies seven times greater than those of the LHC. This upgrade is intended to further explore high-energy physics phenomena.
LHC: The LHC is also undergoing upgrades, including the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) project, which aims to increase its luminosity and enhance its ability to collect data for more precise measurements and discoveries.
